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Depression & Stress in Teenagers

Depression and stress in teenagers often go hand in hand, as extremely stressful events can trigger teen depression. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated two million people ages 12 to 17 experience depression.

  1. Features

    • Many teens go through stressful times while growing up and occasionally feel "down," but for a teenager with depression, escaping the "down" times can feel impossible.

    Identification

    • Teen depression often includes bouts of sadness or hopelessness, irritability, anger, loss of interest in hobbies and extracurricular activities, withdrawal from friends and family, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, loss of enthusiasm and suicidal thoughts.

    Considerations

    • Factors that can make a teen more susceptible to depression include a family history of depression, previous episodes of depression or experiencing trauma, abuse or terminal illness.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Depression in teens is often treated with a combination of therapy, support from family and friends, and for more serious cases, antidepressant medications such as Prozac.

    Warning

    • Depression in teens can lead to suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds. Knowing the symptoms of teen depression and seeking professional help is vital in teenage suicide prevention.

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