November 8, 2019
The teenage years are often very difficult for children and their parents. This period is very important for mental well-being. Let's figure out what characteristics of a teenager's behavior you should pay attention to and when to see a doctor.
People of any age experience sadness, irritation, or lack of energy from time to time. Such feelings are considered normal, but if the negativity does not disappear or weaken for a long time, this is a reason to consult a specialist. In the case of a child, such a condition may mean depression. It is treatable, but it is not always easy to recognize even for a specialist.
Content:
- About the phenomenon of depression in children and adolescents The essence of the phenomenon
- Types of depression
- Age and gender characteristics
- Differences from depression in adults
- Who may be at risk for developing depressive disorders?
- Tips for Dealing with a Depressed Teen
How long will the treatment last?
Overcoming depression can take time; in this regard, unfortunately, no time frame guarantees can be made. According to Russian recommendations, treatment should continue for 4–6 months after remission, since shorter periods lead to an increased risk of relapse of depression. Therefore, the teenager will need a lot of support. Remember, depressive disorders are treatable! This is not a life sentence, and the teenager will not be registered with a psychiatrist if he does not pose a threat to himself.
About the phenomenon of depression in children and adolescents
In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in rates of depression in children and adolescents. The self-isolation regime, the transition to distance learning, and the general tense situation in the world have had an impact.
Let's figure out whether depression occurs in childhood, and how it differs from the adult state.
The essence of the phenomenon
According to the results of a survey conducted in 2021 among Russian schoolchildren from grades 5 to 11, 42.2% of respondents reported a state of depression.
Just some 20-25 years ago, child psychiatrists denied the existence of this disease in people under 18 years of age. But it was soon proven that depression does exist in children and adolescents , it’s just that its manifestations differ from what can be diagnosed in adults.
What are the dangers of depression in adolescence? It gradually begins to destroy the child’s personality, preventing him from living a full life and freely communicating with people close to him.
Depression cannot be overcome by willpower; it is impossible to follow the advice of others to “stop being sad and start enjoying life.”
The term "depression" comes from the Latin word "deprimo", which means "to press down", "to suppress". This is a mental disorder, the main symptoms of which are:
- reduced (depressed) mood;
- disturbance of mental activity;
- behavioral changes.
Most scientists agree that the appearance of depression signals that something is going wrong in a person’s life. Certain changes are necessary for the patient to begin to feel better.
A teenager is under intense pressure from teachers and parents, plus he has to build relationships with peers, try to be accepted and not rejected. And at this time, a hormonal storm is raging in the body, which makes the psyche even more fragile and vulnerable than before.
Therefore, very often a child is in a state of depression without realizing it, and the task of adults is to identify the problem of their son or daughter in time and competently help him.
Types of depression
Doctors identify several types of depression that can appear in adolescence:
Reactive
The most common type of depression in teenagers.
Reactive depression is a depressed mental state caused by external factors. It can arise as a reaction to events or situations, for example due to severe emotional shock (death of a close relative, pet, parental divorce, etc.).
Alarming
With this type of depression, a teenager is overcome by obsessive fears of various types: fear of death, fear of contracting a virus, fear of the unknown, etc.
Dysthymia
This is the mood disorder that is most difficult for parents and professionals to recognize. The child looks passive and finds it difficult to concentrate on completing any task. Sleep and appetite disturbances may occur.
Melancholic
Characterized by a sad and depressed state. The teenager loses interest in life and often talks about the meaninglessness of the future.
As a rule, parents without the help of specialists are not always able to determine what type of depression a child has, because many of the symptoms may be similar.
Age and gender characteristics
Although scientists have recorded manifestations of depression in children of early and preschool age, the peak period for the occurrence of this disorder is considered to be between 12 and 18 years of age .
At the age of 12-14 years, depression is often “masked” as school phobia (fears associated with educational activities). The child becomes lethargic, lethargic, and has difficulty absorbing educational material. His performance declines and he becomes reluctant to attend school. He feels unsuccessful and lonely.
Between the ages of 14 and 18, teenagers are concerned about choosing a future profession, successfully passing exams and, of course, building relationships with the opposite sex. During this period, they may experience symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbances, irritability, increased anxiety and fear of the future.
Depression has also been shown to have different effects on the brain activity of boys and girls. Accordingly, their symptoms of the disorder will be different.
For boys:
- Depression is often long-term, leading to alcohol or drug use. In this way, teenagers “close themselves off” not only from personal problems, but also from the whole world.
- More often than in girls, depressive disorder in boys ends in suicide attempts.
For girls:
- Girls suffer from depression 2 times more often than boys.
- Depressive disorder is more often episodic than long-term.
- Experiencing depression, the girl “withdraws into herself”, becomes withdrawn and unsociable.
Differences from depression in adults
Depression in adolescence tends to have different symptoms than depression in adults.
What occurs in teenagers:
- irritability, hostility, outbursts of anger;
- increased sleepiness (especially during the day);
- hypersensitivity to critical remarks. Teenagers often see criticism where there is none;
- complaints of discomfort in the body (stomach pain, headaches, etc.)
- isolation, reluctance to communicate with a large circle of people, while communication with loved ones may remain.
What occurs in adults:
- decreased ability to enjoy life;
- lethargy, lethargy, apathy;
- diurnal mood swings (usually an adult feels worse in the morning);
- a feeling of loneliness, a desire to reduce contacts with everyone, including loved ones.
Read more about depression in adults in the article Cry from the Heart: Depression and how to deal with it?
Causes of teenage depression
The cause of depression in adolescents, as a rule, is a combination of factors that have a detrimental effect on their fragile and vulnerable psyche.
These include:
Hormones
Hormonal changes in the body or chemical imbalances that cause mood swings, angry outbursts, irritability and increased anxiety.
Conflicts with peers
The child may be an outcast in class or be bullied, which increases his feelings of loneliness and inferiority. The teenager feels like a loser who has no reason and nothing to love and respect.
Family troubles
A student may be very worried about excessive parental demands on him, quarrels and conflicts, as well as when parents are indifferent to his successes and achievements.
Problems with studies
High academic loads, pressure from teachers and fear of exams have an adverse effect on the fragile children's psyche.
Traumatic event in the life of a teenager
The death of someone close, an accident, and so on.
Personality characteristics
Depression can be caused by:
- youthful maximalism (the desire to divide everything into “white” and “black”);
- increased sensitivity to critical remarks;
- worries about the “imperfection” of one’s appearance.
Who may be at risk for developing depressive disorders?
- Children with other mental problems (anorexia, anxiety disorder, etc.).
- Victim or witness of violence.
- Teenagers with chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, etc.).
- Using alcohol or drugs.
Puberty
At the stage of puberty, a child experiences dramatic changes in ideals and a reassessment of values.
The child begins to move away from his parents, the need for personal space and independence appears, but he is not yet ready to completely abandon them. This internal opposition and change is expressed outwardly by constant mood swings and strong emotional responses. An “emotional swing” begins, during which moments of apathy, despondency and tearfulness are replaced by flashes of inspiration and increased activity. Minor and minor troubles for an adult in his youth seem like insurmountable obstacles and can bring a lot of suffering and anxiety. Poor relationships with peers, problems in the family, quarrels with a significant other, or the death of a loved one can become serious shocks for a teenager and lead to depression.
What are the signs that indicate that a child is depressed?
Parents should be well versed in the signs of teenage depression in order to be able to identify what is happening to their child in time.
As we have already said, depression is characterized by changes in the behavior, mood and thinking of a teenager.
Emotional changes:
- feeling of sadness and longing;
- depressed mood, increased tearfulness;
- irritability, outbursts of anger, even for minor reasons;
- loss of joy of life and interest in usual activities;
- frequent conflicts with friends and family;
- painful reaction to failures;
- increased anxiety, fears;
- feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness;
- excessive self-criticism, increased feelings of guilt.
Behavioral changes:
- sudden weight loss/gain;
- sleep disorders (insomnia/excessive sleepiness);
- motor restlessness/retardation;
- apathy, loss of strength, feeling of constant fatigue;
- frequent complaints of pain in the abdomen, head, etc.;
- auto-aggression (self-mutilation, cutting, etc.);
- indifference to one’s own appearance/its sudden change;
- rebellious, protest behavior;
- desire for loneliness, solitude.
Changes in mental activity:
- difficulty concentrating, decreased concentration;
- constant “scrolling” of gloomy and disturbing thoughts in the head;
- slowing down the rate of speech;
- forgetfulness, memory impairment.
In order for a diagnosis of depression to be made, a teenager must exhibit at least five of these symptoms throughout the day for 2 weeks.
It is also important for parents to pay attention to their children’s statements.
It's time to sound the alarm if a teenager:
- often talks or jokes about death;
- talks about the meaninglessness of his future or experiences strong fear of it;
- is indifferent to himself and his own health;
- speaks derogatorily about himself: “I am worthless,” “It would be better if I died,” etc.
"Masks" of teenage depression
Sometimes it can be difficult to identify depression in adolescents, since it can “disguise” itself as various conditions.
Case No. 1. Broken heart
The mother of 13-year-old Dima turned to the school psychologist. She complained that she did not understand why her child had changed so dramatically. If before he was calm and obedient, now it’s as if he has been replaced: he began to skip classes, got involved with bad company, and is constantly rude to his parents. And recently she found a package of smoking mixture in his jacket pocket.
The psychologist invited Dima for a consultation, and it turned out that the boy was depressed. He is not interested in either his new company or the use of harmful substances. He just wanted to “drown out” his worries about the girl he liked. When he confessed his feelings to her and proposed dating, she refused him and called him a loser and a “stupid.”
Diagnosis of depressive symptoms in children and adolescents
It is often difficult for parents to diagnose depression in their child themselves. Then methods come to the rescue by which you can determine depressive disorder using test questions.
We have collected the most famous of them:
- Beck Depression Inventory
- Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
- Methodology for diagnosing depressive states according to Zhmurov V.A.
- Maria Kovacs Childhood Depression Questionnaire
After answering the questions, the teenager can independently determine that he is depressed, or his parents can do this for him.
But it is important to understand that only a doctor can make a diagnosis of depression. The specialist will separate depression from similar conditions (for example, neurosis) and prescribe appropriate therapy for the child.
Tests to identify
To diagnose depression at 17-18 years of age, use the Beck Depression Inventory for High School-Age Adolescents.
Another test is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Suitable for older teenagers and adults .
The test results cannot be used as a basis for making a diagnosis.
However, if the technique determines the presence of a disorder, then this is another reason to contact a clinical psychologist as soon as possible.
How can parents help their child cope with their condition?
A depressed teenager needs help and support from loved ones.
Tips for Dealing with a Depressed Teen
Psychologists give moms and dads a number of tips on how to talk to their own child:
- Show your child that you understand his feelings and are ready to share them with him. A teenager needs to know that you are on his side, no matter what happens.
- Be attentive to his statements. Listen without moralizing, criticizing or unsolicited advice.
- Even if the problem seems insignificant and far-fetched to you, do not devalue the teenager’s experiences. Remember that at this age situations are felt and perceived differently, and what you think is a minor misunderstanding can be the end of the world for your child. Understand his feelings.
- Do not raise your voice to a teenager, avoid conflicting, defiant and aggressive intonations.
- Provide room for independence, always give the child the right to choose, and do not make all decisions for him.
- Limit custody, let your son or daughter feel that you trust them. Let your child learn from his own mistakes rather than follow your example.
- Celebrate even your child's small successes. Talk more often about how important he is to you and others.
- If it is difficult for your son or daughter to tell you about his experiences, advise him to keep a personal diary, to which he can entrust everything that worries and worries him.
- Stay close to your child. The teenager should know that he can always turn to you for help and get it.
- Find a common interest and engage in hobbies with your child. This could be a simple walk before bed or attending joint master classes and sections.
When do you need specialist help?
If symptoms of depression begin to interfere with your life and the life of your child, depriving it of its former colors, then it is time to consult a specialist.
In almost every city there are centers for psychological assistance for teenagers, where you can come with your son or daughter.
To begin with, it is better to consult with a psychologist . During a conversation with the child, he will be able to understand the causes of depression and find, together with the teenager, ways to solve this problem.
But if depression lasts more than one month, the child talks more and more often about death or hurts himself, parents need to consult a psychiatrist .
If the doctor suggests hospitalization, do not refuse it. We are talking about the life and health of your child.
Long-term, protracted depression in a teenager can develop into:
- alcoholism or drug addiction;
- suicide attempts;
- deviant behavior (arson of cars, violence against others, theft of valuables, etc.);
- problems with learning, child leaving school;
- conflicts with family and friends, even running away from home.
Why do you always want to cry and what to do about it?
The first thing that will be most effective and useful is to cry. Yes, yes, don’t be shy and cry, flooding the entire pillow with tears. And then sit down and drink warm tea. You will feel relief or even weakness; sleep will help you get out of this state.
But you shouldn't get carried away. But finding a place for a good rest is a must. Regular evening walks before bed, chatting with friends or going out with the dog to the forest/park will help stop causeless crying. The body will thank you for the extra hour you devoted to yourself, and your mood will sharply increase, calming the nervous system.
Therefore, do not be shy to cry, but also do not get carried away by these weaknesses. Look at everything from a more positive perspective. Rejoice at every victory, focus on even small successes, rest more often, this is the only way to cope with causeless tears that you will forget about forever.
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Methods for treating depression in children and adolescents
Currently, the following types of therapy are used to treat depressive conditions in children and adolescents:
Drug therapy
As a rule, the necessary medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist. Under no circumstances should you give your child any medications on your own!
If you notice side effects from treatment in a teenager, do not stop taking the drug, first consult with your doctor.
