Black and white. A wilted flower. Sitting in a dark room listening to Jeremy Zucker or Juice World. The feeling of isolation from all loved ones. Sadness, melancholy, and unhappiness — these are all signs painting a clear picture of depression.
In today’s age, many teenagers often broadcast the words, “OMG, I’m so depressed.” The word “depression” is used lightly and often in mild situations. However, the true meaning of depression is far from the hollow emotions you feel when seeing one of your favorite Netflix characters get injured in a car crash. Depression is a serious condition that, according to a 2017 study by the NIMH, affects 9.4% of the United States’ population that is between ages 12–17. That is more than 30 million individuals suffering from this severe illness. To make matters worse, depression rates have been rapidly increasing over the years. This trend is especially seen in the growing number of teenage cases, which has led to an increase in suicide rates. This already large number of cases in children seems to still be rising, making it a very pressing issue.
Before trying to decrease these statistics, it is important to actually understand what this condition truly is. As the Mayo Clinic defined it, depression is a condition that includes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression affects many body systems including the digestive system, often affecting people’s diets, but especially the nervous system, which includes the brain. Since this condition affects the brain, one of the body’s most crucial organs, these negative feelings and thoughts can influence how someone behaves, thinks, and how they view the world around them.
There are many aspects of life that make teens especially susceptible to the evil grasp of depression. Many times, they are at greater risk due to genetics and the history of depression in their family. Other children may have had a traumatic or “incomplete” childhood that has imprinted them in a negative way. For example, if a child was abused in their youth, when they grow up it is natural for them to have trust issues around strangers and even loved ones. Therefore, it is important to be aware of people’s pasts, as small instances can serve as triggers and brings terrible memories flooding back to them.
Depression can also depend on an individual’s health condition. Women are prone to certain types of depression, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), prenatal depression, and perimenopausal depression. PMDD can be thought of as similar to premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS. However, the major difference between the two is that PMDD is far less common and has more severe side effects. This consists of severe anxiety and depression approximately two weeks before one’s period begins.
If you ever come across someone who seems to be showing symptoms of depression, contact someone right away. Suspicions such as these can be crucial to saving someone’s life. Symptoms of depression and qualities to look out for include:
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Sleep pattern changes (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Prolonged feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness.
- Mood swings
- Isolation from or conflict with family and friends
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Degraded image of themselves, low self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes (overeating or undereating)
- Chronic pain, headaches, or stomach aches.
- Loss of interest and lack of participation in usual activities
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1–800–273–8255
References:
Brueck, H. (2019, March 21). Depression rates by age: Young people are experiencing more depression — Business Insider. Retrieved from Business Insider website: https://www.businessinsider.com/depression-rates-by-age-young-people-2019-3
Depression (major depressive disorder) — Symptoms and causes. (2018). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Freepik | Discover the best free People graphic resources, 611,569 results. (2018). Retrieved from Freepik website: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/people
NIMH » Major Depression. (2019, February). Retrieved from Nih.gov website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml
Overcoming Depression: How Psychologists Help With Depressive Disorders. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/depression
Parekh, R. (2009). What Is Depression? Retrieved from Psychiatry.org website: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
Teen depression — Symptoms and causes. (2018). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985
