Depression Among Teenagers

Most of us feel unhappy at times. But for teenagers, an extra dose of hormones to the many other changes taking place in a teen's life, makes their moods swing like a pendulum. Today 1 in 5 teenagers, twice as many girls than boys, will experience depression.

Depression Among Teenagers

There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over School performance, social status, sexual orientation, or family life . At that point in their lives, many can't imagine life past tomorrow or any positive solution to the issue at hand.

Often, teenagers with depression will have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. They may have no motivation and even become withdrawn from their friends.

Teenagers with depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits, and may even exhibit criminal behaviors such as DUI or shoplifting.

Suicide is also a risk for all teenagers with depression.

MEDICATION
Many times family member desperate to help a depressed teen will turn to medication. The first medication tried is usually a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Most of these drugs are not approved for those under 18 years of age. For many, these medications work for only a short time, if at all, and may make matters worse. These drugs have been shown to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children and adolescents.

Brainadvantage helps teenagers eliminate the depression, raise their self esteem and learn skills to control their thoughts and behaviors.
For more information, contact Brainadvantage today!