Teenage depression can be a damaging illness that has devastating effects both in the present and in the future. If you suspect or know that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, you need to do what you can to help. Without help in the form of family support, medical intervention, and treatment, teenagers can experience problems at school, home, and in their social life.
Some individuals may think that depression in teenagers means that the individual is just moody and irritable. In some cases, this may be mistaken for the normal changes that teenagers experience as their bodies and minds mature and they take on added responsibilities and challenges. Left untreated teenage depression can result in the following consequences:
- Low Self-Esteem: Not surprisingly, depression can lead to low self-esteem in teenagers. Individuals can feel ugly, worthless, or like a failure. A low level of confidence can contribute to other issues listed here as well.
- Problems at School: Depression can contribute to a host of problems at school including behavioral issues and low grades. Symptoms such as fatigue can cause difficulties in concentrating and low energy.
- Eating Disorders: Issues like bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating can all be signs of depression. Other consequences of depression, such as low self-esteem, can also contribute to the problem.
- Running Away: Teenagers with depression often talk about running away or actually follow through on their thoughts.
- Internet Addiction: Teenagers may seek comfort and contact with others through the internet. It can also serve as a way to escape the real world. However, prolonged use tends to increase the isolation and depression of the teenager.
- Reckless Behaviors: Depressed teenagers may be more likely to engage in reckless behaviors than others. Behaviors can include reckless driving, unsafe sex, and overusing drugs or alcohol.
- Substance Abuse: Teenagers with depression may seek to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
- Self-Injury: Depressed teenagers can turn to self-injury such as cutting, burning, and other forms of self-mutilation.
- Violence: Some teenagers, more often boys than girls, can become violent with depression.
- Suicide: Severely depressed teenagers may talk about or commit suicide. Any suicidal behaviors or thoughts should be taken seriously and addressed quickly.
Teenage depression can lead to a number of devastating problems if left untreated. If you suspect that a teenager may be depressed, talk to him or her about it and get help. Leaving depression untreated can contribute to any of the further issues listed above as well as other problems so it should not be taken lightly.
