Teen Depression

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate May 2001

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Teens suffer from depression and loneliness Many people go through trials and tribulations, which leave them feeling lost and hopeless. Sometimes teens are those people who feel lost and hopeless. This is why many people believe teens suffer from depression and loneliness. Not admitting that teens get depressed could be very dangerous to our society. If a teen is clinically depressed or under too much stress, he could breakdown unless his problem is acknowledged. If society does not recognize teen depression, then treatment will not be given which could be very detrimental. Some teenagers become depressed very easily, and some do not. Most of the time it has a lot to do with the tolerance level of that specific teenager. For example, if a boy always loses a game no matter how hard he tries to win, then gave up one day because all his friends kept teasing him, he might become depressed.

The teenager might feel sad for weeks, lose sleep and weight even though he is not ill or dieting (Myths and Facts about depression 2). If one is suffering from depression it may not go away. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently cause problems with school, work and social life.

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Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think, feel and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well-being. Everyone has felt sad at one time or another, but that is not depression. Sometimes one feels tired from working hard, or discouraged when faced with serious problems. This too, is not depression. These feelings usually pass within a few days or weeks, once we adjust to the stress. But, if these feelings linger, intensify, and begin to interfere with work, school or family responsibilities, it may be depression. Once identified, most people diagnosed with depression are successfully treated (affects of depression 3).

Unfortunately, depression is not always diagnosed, because many of the symptoms mimic physical illnesses. Such as, sleep and appetite disturbances (affects of depression 3). Recognizing depression in teenagers, is the first step in treating it. When depression is so bad that one cannot focus on his schoolwork, medication might be necessary, in addition to counseling. Usually, counseling and therapy alone is sufficient. Anti depressants are usually a last resort if counseling was proven to be ineffective.

Many teens suffer from depression and loneliness. It is not a weakness one must live with until forgotten. It is a medical illness that should be taken seriously and treated with the proper medications.