Understanding Teen Depression


Teens are people aged between 12 and 18 years old. It is therefore very important for parents and teachers to understand teen depression because it is a very serious problem that impacts negatively on the life of the teens. Teen depression is understood to be the major cause of suicide, violence, self loathing and drug abuse among many teens. Understanding teen depression is therefore very important for all the stakeholders if vices associated with teen depression are to be properly tackled. One of the ways of going about this talking to the affected teen about a given issue and offering them unconditional support.

Understanding Teen Depression

There are a lot of misconceptions about the various causes of teen depression. While it is true that teenage years are one of the most challenging years in the life of any individual, it is important that the teens balance this by having good relationships and enjoy success in school and in co-curriculum activities. It is important that teens develop  very strong will power which is important for them to cope up with the challenges in life.

As a parent, expect your child in his teenage years to occasionally have bad moods but do not allow him to get depressed since the two are totally two different. Depression is known to be one of the major causes of destruction of the personality other than causing the sense of anger, despair and sadness. It is important to note that teen depression can be treated if the teen get professional attention. The worrying bit is that most of the depressed teens never get medication.

Teens, unlike the adults usually rely on their parents and teachers to identify their problems and take the necessary measures and steps to help them out. This therefore means that if you are a parent or a teacher and you have a teenager, it is important to learn and understand him so that you can easily tell whenever he is stressed.

Signs of the teens’ depression

Many teenagers are usually faced with a number of problems the major being their transition from childhood to adulthood. This is one of the major causes of parental conflicts as some teens would like to show their parents of how independent they are. Some of the common signs of the teens’ depression include

  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Hopelessness and sadness
  • Hostility, anger or irritability
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

The effects of teen depression

Teenage depression can have negative effects on your teenager if not treated. One way that you can tell whether your teenage son or daughter is depressed is by studying their rebellious and unhealthy attitudes. Teenage depression will always have one of these effects.

Problems at school: Your teenage daughter is likely to have problems at school since many depressed teens have a problem to concentrate. They are therefore likely to deteriorate in their academic studies.

Drugs and substance abuse: Many teenagers have turned to drug and substance abuses so that they can self medicate themselves from the depression that they are facing. Regrettably, these usually worsen the situation.

Running away from home and school: Many depressed teenagers will run away from home or school. They will usually give reasons of seeking help or refuge.

Vick Oluoch is a freelancer based in Nairobi Kenya. I was born on the 8th of November, 1987 in Siaya County. Oluoch is my family name which means "A male born in the morning when there is mist and fog". I grew up and schooled in Mumias before moving to Nyeri for my Higher Education at Dedan Kimathi University. At the moment I am a freelancer.

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9 comments on “Understanding Teen Depression
  1. mkenya lawrence says:

    wow! nyc stuff there..kip doing it!

  2. wilmaleslie says:

    this remind sme of my teenage hood and i issh there was someone like you to help but thanks co now i undersntand all…good work

  3. great put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t understand this. You must proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
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  4. Fine way of describing, and pleasant article to obtain facts regarding my presentation focus, which i am going to deliver in academy.

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Mr. Victor Otieno Oluoch
+254723116382/+254708801082
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