Depression in adolescents

Depression in adolescents is a serious mental health problem that causes a feeling of constant sadness and a loss of interest in performing different activities. It affects the way your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, the symptoms between teenagers and adults can be different.

Some problems such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can cause many ups and downs in teenagers. However, for some teenagers, being depressed is much more than just temporary feelings, but it is a symptom of depression.

Depression in adolescents is not a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower, can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatments. For most teenagers, depression symptoms calm down with treatments such as medications and psychological therapy.

symptom
The signs and symptoms of depression in adolescents include a change in the adolescent's previous attitude and behavior that can cause distress and significant difficulties in school or home, in social activities or in other aspects of life.

Symptoms of depression may vary in severity, but changes in adolescent emotions and behavior may include the following examples.

Emotional changes
You should pay attention to emotional changes, such as:

Feelings of sadness, which may include episodes of crying for no apparent reason
Frustration or feelings of anger, even for minor issues
Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
Irritable or annoying mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
Loss of interest in family and friends or being in conflict with them
Low selfsteem
Feelings of lack of self-worth or guilt
Fixing in past failures or excessive self-criticism or self-criticism
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and excessive need for approval
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Continuous feeling that life and the future are bleak and discouraging
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Behavioral changes
You should be aware of changes in behavior, such as the following:

Tiredness and loss of energy
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite: decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased food cravings and weight gain
Alcohol or drug use
Agitation or restlessness: for example, walking from side to side, wringing hands or being unable to sit still
Decreased mental agility, rapidity of speech or body movements
Frequent complaints about headaches and unexplained headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
Social isolation
Poor school performance or frequent school absences
Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
Raptures of anger, disturbing or risky behavior, or other bad behaviors
Self-injury: for example, cuts, burns or excessive perforations or tattoos
Suicidal plan or suicide attempt

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