Adolescence (teens, puberty) is the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood accompanied with dramatic changes in the body and psychological developments. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 and 19 years of age.
Adolescence is often an unsettling time with many personal, social, family and academic expectations that may lead to disappointment and depression. A lot of depressed teenagers also abuse alcohol or drugs reacting to the pain of depression and looking for a temporary relief. They also want to feel grown up and belong to a group or fit in. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents.
Adolescent depression affects approximately one in eight teenagers with an even higher rate among girls. Most of them suffer from undiagnosed and untreated depression.
Signs and symptoms for teenager depression:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt
- Inability to take pleasure and interests in life
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating and making decisions
- Decreased interest in school, friends and family
- Poor school performance
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits (either increased or decreased)
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Feeling suicidal
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