What is Depression?
Depression is REAL!! It known as the “invisible illness”. It can attack a person regardless of age, race or ethnical culture. It knows no limits nor does it have boundaries on its severity. There is no single cure for depression and can easily fool anyone who may have depression because it easily overlooked, especially in the adolescent generation. Depression is one of the most commonly misunderstood disorders amongst the adolescent age because it is easily mistaken for other illnesses and disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or natural behavioral problems found in adolescents during this age of development. However, depression effects the younger generation now more than ever before. In Fact, the Middle School Counselor (2014) shares, “adolescent suicide is the second leading cause of death, following accidents, amount youth and young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that 500,000 teens will attempt suicide every year with 5,000 succeeding. Many of these teens suffer from depression”.
Further data can be found at: http://www.acs-teens.org/adolescent-in-middle-school-part-2/
Therefore, it is critical that we as school counselors, teachers, parents and educators of our youth understand the significance of adolescent depression and the major impacts it has on their growth and development both inside and outside of school. Depression is an illness that hinders not only the social and emotional development but also the academic and career development of today’s youth.
Causes of Adolescent Depression:
- The normal process of maturing and the stress that occurs with it
- The influence of sex hormones
- Independence conflicts with parents
It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as:
- The death of a friend or relative
- A breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend
- Failure at school
Teens who are most likely to become depressed when they experience stressful events:
- Have low self-esteem
- Are very critical of themselves
- Feel little control over negative events
Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. A family history of depression also puts teenagers at greater risk.
The following events or situations can cause depression:
Symptoms of Adolescent Depression:
Other key signs and symptoms include:
- -appearing sad, angry, tearful
- -change in appetite or weight
- -decreased interest in activities and/or activities that were once enjoyable
- -decrease in energy
- -difficulty concentrating (in school or at home)
- -feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- -changes in sleeping habits
- -regular complaints of boredom
- -talk of suicide
- -withdrawal from friends of after-school activities
- -poor school performance
- -body aches (headaches, cramping, muscle soreness, digestive problems)
- -Self-deprecating comments
- -Isolation and/or withdrawal from classroom task/interaction with peers
- -sulking and noncompliance with task
- -defiance with authority figures (teachers, principal, etc),
- -argumentativeness with peers, teachers, etc.
- -acting out of usual character
- -sleeping in class
Treating & Coping with Adolescent Depression:
Here are helpful suggestions for reaching out in the fight against depression:
STUDENTS:
-Sleep; sleep encourage moods and stimulates happy thoughts in the brain
-Exercise; participating in regular exercise and/or sports can stimulate the brain and trigger the “feel good” emotions that encourage happy thoughts and can boost self-esteem
-Healthy Eating; nutritious food help produce energy in the mind and body, avoiding high fat and sugary foods can alleviate the encouragement of unproductivity
-Stay away from Caffine; too much caffine intake can cause the body to crash and feel tired. Instead, look to natural energy found in fruits and vegetables
-Be kind and thoughtful to friends and peer feelings and interest; do not stimulate or encourage negativity amongst fellow peers as it can trigger the unwanted sense of instability or feelings of hurt and sadness.
-Be alert to the signs and symptoms of friends (refer to signs and symptoms as listed above).
PARENTS:
-Understand depression; know the causes, signs, symptoms
-Be involved; actively staying involved in child’s everyday life and express continuous interest in their life (academics, sports, hobbies, etc.) can increase awareness and prevention
-Do not rely on medication; instead seek out additional options such as therapy, talk to a specialist, research, etc.
-Offer support; ensure your teen knows that you are there for them by lending an open ear/arms, do not lecture or scare them away from opening up by pressuring them or punishing them for holding back emotions or thoughts
-Be gentle, listen and persistent
-Be positive; have patients; treating and coping with depression is a process of trial and error. Know that it will not “get better” overnight;
-Show encouragement; encourage sports, after school activities, clubs, lessons or classes (musical instruments, karate, etc.)
-Never give up; Even if teen shows improvement, appears to be themselves and show normal signs of behavior, be open to ongoing treatment for the signs and symptoms of depression could simply be masked by happy signs.
-Talk to teachers and friends; reach out to those who also know you teen. Ask questions regarding behavior and/or activity in school.
Teachers and School Counselors:
Teacher and school counselors can reach out to help an adolescent that is depressed in many ways. One of the easiest and effective ways is through intervention. It is a process that allows educators and counselors to actively engage students through a variety of steps.
Huberty (2004) describes the following suggestions:
-Develop a relationship
-Use positive approaches
-Remember that thee students are not choosing to be depressed
-Consider making adjustments or accommodations in assignments or task
-Provide opportunities for success
-Seek help from support personnel
In addition, school counselors may consider using the “Three Pronged Approach Assessment”. The three pronged approach assessment is used to assess indicators of students who may be clinically depressed. By examining symptoms, relationships with family and performances in school, school counselors are able to provide adequate information to parents, doctors and therapist that will assist with treatment. Areas assessed include:
- Depressive symptoms by self-report, observation, and teacher report
- Relationships in the family and at school
- Quality and consistency of schoolwork and participation in school activities.
-Offer support groups
-Offer recommendations to parents on TALK THERAPY (See Helpful Sources for Parents and Students
-Follow up with students
-Incorporate lessons into counseling plan on depression
-Educate parents and teachers on depression
-Be available
Adolescent Depression. (2014). Health Guide. The New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/adolescent-depression/overview.html
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2006). The life span: human development for helpin professionals (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Counseling Youth with Depression.(2014). A School Counselor’s blog about a Middle School Counseling Office. Retrieved from: http://www.themiddleschoolcounselor.com/2014/03/counseling-youth-with-depression.html
Huberty, T.J., (2004). Depression: Helping Students in the Classroom. National Assocation of School Psychologists. Indiana University
Kranes, B. (2012).Adolescent Depresson.Healthline. Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-depression#Symptoms3'
Nardi, D.A. (2007). Assessment & Early Intervention. Depression. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, Vol. 45.No.3.