Teenagers are not exempt from the prevalence of depression, a mental health illness that affects people of all ages. Adolescence is a time of many changes, and for many young people, it can be a difficult time. While several teenagers may occasionally feel down or moody, depression is a more serious and persistent disorder that can have a big influence on a teen’s functioning and daily life.
Teenage depression can be brought on by a wide variety of circumstances. Biological, genetic, environmental, and social variables may be some of these. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals can recognize the symptoms of teen depression and offer suitable support and therapy by being aware of these factors.
Some typical reasons why teenagers experience depression are:
1. Brain chemistry: The chemicals and signals in the brain are transported by neurotransmitters to other areas of the body and the brain. Depression results from changes in the way that nerve receptors and nervous systems work when these chemicals are aberrant or damaged.
2. Hormones: Depression may be brought on by changes in hormone levels.
3. Inherited traits: Characteristics inherited from relatives.
4. Early childhood trauma: Abuse, whether physical or emotional, or the death of a parent, can alter the brain in ways that make depression more likely.
5. Acquired negative thought patterns: Adolescent depression may be linked to the development of a sense of helplessness rather than the development of the ability to overcome challenges in life.
Several variables can either raise or lower a teen’s likelihood of developing or experiencing depression. They consist of:
- A learning deficiency or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
- Poor self-esteem brought on by body shame, narcissistic attitudes, peer issues, persistent bullying, or scholastic difficulties.
- Anorexia, bulimia, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues.
- Chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, or asthma
The family history of depression in your teen as well as issues with family members or strangers, such as:
1. Having an alcoholic, bipolar disorder, or depression-suffering parent, grandparent, or other blood relative.
2. Family members that have serious communication and interpersonal issues
3. Going through recently severe life events, such as a loved one’s death, a parent’s divorce, or parental military service.
4. Having a relative who died by suicide.