Depression - Teen Support Group

About Teen Depression

Similar to adult depression, teen depression is marked by the onset of an overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness. Mood swings can be expected during teenage years due to hormonal changes, but a persistent feeling of despair is a sign of something unusual and should be taken seriously. Depression may be harder to detect in teens. Unlike with adult depression, teens can exhibit rage, experience unexplained aches and pains, and extreme defensiveness. For these reasons, depression is very difficult to diagnose in teens, and only 20% receive help for depression.

Factors in Teen Depression

Depression is closely associated with shifts in the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that influence many things in the body, including mood. The cause of these shifts is not clearly understood, and both genetics and stress are believed to be factors. People cope with a variety of stressful circumstances during teenage years, and sometimes these are compounded by major events such as moving to a new environment, parental divorce, or the loss of a loved one. The confluence of several stressful circumstances, particularly when coupled with a genetic predisposition, may trigger teen depression.

Treating Teen Depression

The first step in treatment is an evaluation by a medical professional. Clinical depression in adults is usually treated with a combination of therapy and prescription antidepressants. However, there is a much debate about the use of antidepressants among teens, so a doctor's input is especially important in weighing treatment options.

Teen Depression Resources and Support

At DailyStrength both psychotherapy and common medications, like Prozac and Lexapro, have been rated just as helpful at treating depression. And according to members of DailyStrength's Teen Depression community, very helpful coping activities include creative expression (writing, music and art), caring for a pet, and talking or chatting with others.

If you are a concerned parent looking for information and support for depression, or if you are a teen confused about whether or not you're suffering from depression, these resources may be helpful:

• The Helpguide.org's teen depression page
• Five tips for fighting depression from KidsHealth.org
• Ratings of various childhood and depression resources from Tufts University