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Negative Effects of Teenage Depression on Education

Mood swings and irritability might seem like common traits of the teenage years. However, when negative moods, feelings of sadness and symptoms of depression interfere with a teen's life at home or at school, he should seek treatment. According to about-teen-depression.com, 20 percent of teens experience depression before reaching adulthood.

  1. Symptoms

    • Teenagers with depression exhibit symptoms differently than adults. Frequent crying, extreme sensitivity to feeling judged and unaccounted-for aches and pain are common complaints of teens with depression. Depressed teens often shift social circles and withdraw from relationships that were important in the past.

    Concentration

    • According to a study from the University of Michigan cited on psychcentral.com, loss of interest in pleasurable activities negatively affects work output of teens with depression. This, coupled with common symptoms of fatigue, irritability and low energy, may prevent students from giving full attention to work.

    Attendance

    • Teenagers with depression are more likely than their peers to skip school or stay home, which holds them back from learning and completing courses. According to the University of Michigan study, teens with depression are twice as likely to drop out of school as their peers.

    Social Support

    • Teenagers suffering from depression often withdraw from their normal social activities and groups at school. Isolation at school and lack of peer support can compound symptoms of depression and may contribute to suicidal tendencies. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens and young adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Who Is at Risk?

    • Teen girls are more likely to develop depression than boys.

      Teens who have low self-esteem and who judge themselves critically are vulnerable to depression. Teens with a family history of depression, chronic illness, child abuse or stressful life happenings are more likely than others to develop depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, teenage girls are twice as likely to develop depression as boys.

    Treatment

    • Teens should reach out for support.

      Teens with depression should tell a parent, teacher or guidance counselor about their thoughts and feelings. A combination of medicine, psychotherapy and behavioral treatment can help teens with depression.

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