Thursday, March 28, 2024

How Many Teens Are Depressed

Teens Suffering From Depression Are At Higher Risk For:

The truth about teen depression | Megan Shinnick | TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet
  • 30 percent of teens with depression also develop a substance abuse problem.
  • Teenagers with depression are likely to have a smaller social circle and take advantage of fewer opportunities for education or careers.
  • Depressed teens are more likely to have trouble at school and in jobs, and to struggle with relationships.
  • Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Teens with depression seem to catch physical illnesses more often than other teens.
  • Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, the third leading cause of death among teenagers.
  • 90 percent of suicide victims suffer from a mental illness, and suffering from depression can make a teenager as much as 12 times more likely to attempt suicide.
  • Less than 33 percent of teens with depression get help, yet 80 percent of teens with depression can be successfully treated.

Teen Depression Statistics Sources:

How To Start Leading

Parents must train children for the digital age. You cannot remove them from the internet completely because their friends are on it. So, focus on preparing them to handle the internet well, and put wise limits on their access according to their age.

Dont panic if youve felt like youre behind the tech. Start now and start somewhere. There are levels, and only you know your child best. But some helpful places to start include:

Why Do Many Teenagers Feel Depressed

There are a lot of reasons a teenager might be depressed. Teens can have feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. School performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation, and family life are just some of the factors that can affect a teens feelings.

Read Also: What Is The Depression Hotline

What Are The Warning Signs For Teen Suicide

Teen suicide is a serious problem. Adolescent suicide is the second leading cause of death, following accidents, among youth and young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that 500,000 teens attempt suicide every year with 5,000 succeeding. These are epidemic numbers.

Family difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or perceived failures at school or in relationships can all lead to negative feelings and depression. And teen depression often makes problems seem overwhelming and the associated pain unbearable. Suicide is an act of desperation and teen depression is often the root cause.

Warning signs of suicide with teen depression include:

  • Expressing hopelessness for the future
  • Giving up on one’s self, talking as if no one else cares
  • Preparing for death, giving away favorite possessions, writing goodbye letters, or making a will
  • Starting to use or abuse drugs or alcohol to aid sleep or for relief from their mental anguish
  • Defiant behavior
  • Acting violently
  • Threatening to kill one’s self

If your teenager displays any of these behaviors, you should seek help from a mental health professional immediately. Or you can call a suicide hotline for help.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK .

Are Depressed Teens Going Undiagnosed

Need help do my essay adolescent depression in the u.s.

The National Institutes of Mental Health estimates that 8 percent of adolescents and 2 percent of children have symptoms of depression. While nearly 3 million adolescents suffer from depression, fewer than one in five get treatment. Depressed teens usually suffer for years before they are identified.

“It’s one of the most difficult calls to make,” Tipper Gore said on Good Morning America. “Teens are already struggling with puberty, peer pressure, self-identity, separation from family. It’s hard for a parent or teacher or coach to diagnose them, but not for a health professional.”

Signs of Teen Depression

In addition to the usual symptoms of depression seen in adults, there are specific symptoms to look for in teens. The symptoms specific to teens are: vague physical complaints such as headaches, frequent absences from school or a drop in school performance, “acting out” in episodes that include anger, shouting or crying loss of interest in friends or hobbies recklessness and impulsiveness.

Gore says there is a greater awareness of the problem of teen depression.

“It has always been there, but now we are better at recognizing, diagnosing and treating it,” Gore said.

Most teen depression is likely related to lifestyle issues or family dynamics. In other cases, something might trigger a depressive episode in children who are predisposed to depression.

A Family Concern

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Talking To Someone About Depression

It may seem like theres no way your parents will be able to help, especially if they are always nagging you or getting angry about your behavior. The truth is, parents hate to see their kids hurting. They may feel frustrated because they dont understand what is going on with you or know how to help.

  • If your parents are abusive in any way, or if they have problems of their own that makes it difficult for them to take care of you, find another adult you trust . This person can either help you approach your parents, or direct you toward the support you need.
  • If you truly dont have anyone you can talk to, there are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help.
  • No matter what, talk to someone, especially if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do, and the first step on your way to feeling better.

Why Am I Depressed

Despite what you may have been told, depression is not simply caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be cured with medication. Rather, depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Since the teenage years can be a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, youre likely facing a host of pressures that could contribute to your depression symptoms. These can range from hormonal changes to problems at home or school or questions about who you are and where you fit in.

As a teen, youre more likely to suffer from depression if you have a family history of depression or have experienced early childhood trauma, such as the loss of a parent or physical or emotional abuse.

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New Survey Reveals American Teens Are Experiencing High Rates Of Anxiety Depression And Acts Of Self

Teens face increasing levels of depression, anxiety, and other challenges to happiness amidst … COVID-19.

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New Navigate360 and Zogby Strategies Safety and Wellbeing Poll shows growing teen anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on Americas economy, culture, and daily life

: The second poll in a series of nationwide surveys conducted by Navigate360, a full-spectrum safety preparedness and response company, and John Zogby Strategies, a national polling firm, reveals that many American teens are not confident in their school leaderships ability to keep them safe as they return to the classroom.

When asked what kept them up at night, teens overwhelmingly reported anxiety and depression as key factors. However, even more concerning was that 56% of students reported that they personally knew someone who considered self-harm or suicide, but less than one third believed their school was prepared to handle this issue, demonstrating that school leaders need to address social and emotional safety in addition to physical safety.

Only 36% of teens ages 16-17 reported they know who to call and where to report a threat, less than half believe their school is doing its best to create an atmosphere of physical and emotional safety. These stats show diminishing confidence and feelings of security compared to a similar .

Help Children Find Their Identity In Christ

5 Must-Know Facts About Teenage Depression

The best thing parents can do for their children is to teach them how to find their identity in Christ, preparing them to make their own biblically informed decisions.

  • Parents can equip their children to face the challenges of messing up by showing them Christs grace .
  • Parents can equip their children to face social media and popularity contests by showing them how Christ is our true identity . Parents can also model and show them to look for Christs love rather than other peoples approval .
  • Parents can equip their children by disciplining them with controlled, loving punishments .
  • Parents can equip their children to make real friends by teaching them to love and be intentional, while avoiding gossip .

Although the world is changing around us at a break-neck pace, and it feels like teens are living in a digital social experiment, we can take comfort in knowing our God never changes.

For more guidance, visit Christianparenting.org.

Also Check: Association Of Anxiety And Depression

More Reasons For Adolescent Depression In Schools

Along with social media and other forms of technology, teens feel pressure in other areas of life. Depression in school is impacted by all of these factors. Here are a few of the issues they face.

School pressure: Many teens experience some degree of academic pressure. However, an uncertain economy and tough competition for college and graduate school make that pressure worse.

Relationships: Teens typically experience their first romantic relationships in high school or college. While this is an essential part of teen development, it can also be emotionally challenging. This is particularly true if teens dont have guidance and support in navigating this new terrain.

Lack of coping skills: Todays teens are more protected than in the past. Parents try to shield them from experiencing failure and disappointment. Therefore, teens often have fewer chances to build resilience. Thus, they dont learn how to cope with challenges.

A brain thats still growing: The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls self-regulation, is not fully developed in teens. Thus, they have a limited ability to exert control over their impulses. Consequently, this leads to teenage risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and unsafe sexual choices, which can negatively impact teen mental health.

Bullying: Bullying is directly correlated with adolescent depression in school. Below is more information about bullying and depression.

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An Epidemic Of Teen Depression

The report found that diagnoses of major depression are rising fastest among those under age 35. As a result, diagnoses have gone up 47 percent since 2013 among millennials .

Plus, the rate for adolescents has risen 63 percent since 201347 percent for boys and 65 percent for girls. Therefore, teen depression rates are increasing.

According to the report, these quickly rising rates of diagnosed major depression in younger age groups can have broader implications on future healthcare needs as they grow into later adulthood. Therefore, as the report states, effective diagnosis and management of major depression is crucial in these early years. Furthermore, treatment is the most important influence on an adolescents future health and wellness.

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Medication Comes With Risks

Antidepressants were designed and tested on adults, so their impact on young, developing brains is not yet fully understood. Some researchers are concerned that exposure to drugs such as Prozac may interfere with normal brain developmentparticularly the way the brain manages stress and regulates emotion.

Antidepressants also come with risks and side effects of their own, including a number of safety concerns specific to children and young adults. They are also known to increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some teenagers and young adults. Teens with bipolar disorder, a family history of bipolar disorder, or a history of previous suicide attempts are particularly vulnerable.

The risk of suicide is highest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment. Teenagers on antidepressants should be closely monitored for any sign that the depression is getting worse.

Teens on antidepressants: Red flags to watch out for

  • New or more thoughts/talk of suicide
  • Suicidal gestures or attempts
  • Hyperactive speech or behavior
  • Other unusual changes in behavior

Tip : Manage Stress And Anxiety

How many teenagers are diagnosed with depression ?

For many teens, stress and anxiety can go hand-in-hand with depression. Unrelenting stress, doubts, or fears can sap your emotional energy, affect your physical health, send your anxiety levels soaring, and trigger or exacerbate depression.

If youre suffering from an anxiety disorder, it can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Perhaps you endure intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, get panicky at the thought of speaking in class, experience uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts, or live in a constant state of worry. Since anxiety makes depression worse , its important to get help for both conditions.

Read Also: How To Make Yourself Do Something When You Are Depressed

Data And Statistics On Children’s Mental Health

Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day.1 Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , anxiety, and behavior disorders.

There are different ways to estimate which children have difficulties with mental health. CDC uses surveys, like the National Survey of Childrens Health, to understand which children have diagnosed mental disorders and whether they received treatment. In this type of survey, parents report on the diagnoses their child has received from a healthcare provider. Learn more facts about childrens mental disorders below.

Teen Anxiety In School

As well as depression in school, high school and college students suffer from anxiety. Anxiety disorders are one of most common mental health problems on college campuses, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America . Here are some recent statistics from the ADAA:

  • 30 percent of college students report that stress negative impacts their academic performance
  • 85 percent of college students report feeling overwhelmed by everything they have to do
  • 41.6 percent list anxiety as their top concern
  • 24.5 percent of college students reported taking psychotropic medication for anxiety or depression.

Also Check: Depression And Anxiety Call Line

How Can I Help My Teen Cope With Depression

Depression can have a profound impact on a persons life and can only compound the difficulties associated with the teenage years.

Teen depression isnt always the easiest condition to spot. However, with proper treatment your teen can get the help they need.

If depression is affecting your teens life, you should seek help from a mental health specialist. The specialist will create a treatment plan specifically for your teen. Its also important that your teen follows that plan.

Other things your teen can do to help manage depression are:

  • stay healthy and exercise

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According To The National Institute Of Mental Health Adolescent Depression In Schools Is On The Rise Here Are Some 2016 Statistics From Nimh

5 Signs of Teenage Depression
  • An estimated 3.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. This number represents 12.8 percent of the US population in that age group.
  • More females than males experienced a major depressive episode in 2016 .
  • That year, an estimated 2.2 million American adolescents aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment.
  • Only 19 percent of these teens received care from a health professional.

These are worrying statistics, to say the least. Why is this happening to our teens? Why is depression in school so common? There are a number of reasons.

Read Also: Can I Treat Depression On My Own

Reasons Teenagers Are Feeling Depressed

There isnt always a clear-cut reason for feeling depressed or experiencing depression.

Experts believe the factors contributing to depression are complex and can be the result of multiple causes, including things out of our control, like genetics, brain chemistry, hormones, trauma, and more.

Teenagers as a whole face a number of challenges that may contribute to or be a risk factor for depression.

These may include:

  • being LGBTQ and not experiencing adequate support

Helping A Depressed Teen Tip : Encourage Social Connection

Depressed teens tend to withdraw from their friends and the activities they used to enjoy. But isolation only makes depression worse, so do what you can to help your teen reconnect.

Make face time a priority. Set aside time each day to talktime when youre focused totally on your teen, without distractions or trying to multi-task. The simple act of connecting face to face can play a big role in reducing your teens depression. And remember: talking about depression or your teens feelings will not make the situation worse, but your support can make all the difference in their recovery.

Combat social isolation. Do what you can to keep your teen connected to others. Encourage them to go out with friends or invite friends over. Participate in activities that involve other families and give your child an opportunity to meet and connect with other kids.

Try to reduce their social media use. Remind your teen that social media isnt an ideal substitute for face-to-face interactions. Encourage them to turn off their phoneor at least disable notificationswhen socializing in person, focusing on work, or preparing for bed.

Get your teen involved. Suggest activitiessuch as sports, after-school clubs, or an art, dance, or music classthat take advantage of your teens interests and talents. While your teen may lack motivation and interest at first, as they reengage with the world, they should start to feel better and regain their enthusiasm.

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