Effects of depression on the lives of adolescents
Teen depression can have devastating effects on your life, so be vigilant to prevent it from getting worse!
Every teenager has occasional mood swings or feels depressed at different times in their life and this does not always have to be a problem, in fact it can be absolutely normal in their development in this time of almost daily hormonal changes. But it is necessary to be aware that depression is a serious problem and it is a disorder that requires professional help immediately to prevent the problem from becoming too serious.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can wreak havoc in your teen’s life . It affects about 5% of all adolescents. Learning about the effects of depression on teens is one way to educate yourself so that you can get the help you need.
Next, we are going to tell you about some of the effects of repression in the lives of adolescents so that you can be vigilant and seek help if necessary and the sooner the better.
Index
EMOTIONAL CHANGES
Depressed teens often experience a wide range of negative emotional changes. Parents may notice that their adolescent has an increased sensitivity to criticism or failure , appears sad or desperate, experiences low energy levels, appears to have lost his or her motivation or enthusiasm for life, or often appears irritable or angry.
Unlike depressed adults, who generally appear sadder and more depressed, adolescents can appear more irritable than sad. Irritability and feeling grumpy are emotional signs of depression in teens that generally dominate feelings of sadness.
BEHAVIOR CHANGES
Behavioral changes could be some of the most easily detectable effects of depression in teens. Parents can quickly notice these changes because the changes are, in most cases, an obvious departure from the way the adolescent normally acts.
Depressed teens may cry more often, argue with parents or siblings, engage in reckless or violent behaviors such as careless driving or fighting with others, running away from home, or abusing drugs and alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain.
Also, in severe cases, depressed teens may experience suicidal thoughts or even act on these thoughts. If you are concerned that your adolescent may be suicidal, you should see a doctor immediately and seek help from professionals.
INTERPERSONAL PROBLEMS
Changes in relationships are also a common effect of teen depression . Your teen may withdraw from family or regular friends, stop spending time on the phone with friends, spend more time alone, or go out less often. You may also notice that your child begins to socialize with a completely different social circle.
However, while depressed adults often withdraw completely from social contact, depressed adolescents generally maintain some close relationships, although they may argue more or break up with their partner.
ACADEMIC PROBLEMS
Teen depression can result in a significant impairment in academic functioning, such as an unexplained decline in grades or poor test scores. Depression can also cause teens to have a hard time paying attention in class.
Depressed teens can skip class or cause problems in the classroom, such as interrupting their teachers or classmates or acting disrespectful. Poor academic performance or unrealistic parental expectations for academic achievement can also trigger depression in teens, especially if they feel unable to meet their parents’ high standards.
With all this in mind, it is very important that you monitor your child’s behavior and in case you think he may have depression, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.