Teen Depression What Parents Can do: Spiritual/Clinical Help?
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Depression in adolescents constitutes a global public health concern. However, data on its prevalence and associated factors are limited in low income countries like Nigeria and Uganda.
The road to recovery may be no easy for some. You are alone. As an open minded mental health professional I cannot underestimate the role of supportive networks in quick recovery and overall wellness. Many individuals find safety nets in their faith or spiritual believes while not turning a blind eye to clinical or medical intervention when it becomes necessary. A combination of both methods have led many to thrive. You too can thrive! The first step is to talk to someone, get help. You can contact me on my email below #LetsTalk.
Credit(JW. ORG )Going Through Depression is like being lost in a Dangerous Neighborhood ,To Find The Way Out, Get Help
However, significant depression symptoms was found to be highly prevalent among samples of school-going adolescents and may progress to full-blown depressive disorders. Integration of culturally sensitive psychological interventions to prevent and treat depression among school-going adolescents is desperately needed. There is great need for a child and adolescent mental health policy that will be used to plan for mental health services in schools (Joyce Nalugya-Sserunjogi et al 2016).
Turbulent Years
Adolescence has been described as a period of tremendous emotional upheaval and change [1–4]. The transition from childhood to adulthood involves major physical, psychological, cognitive and social transformations [5–8] which may be stressful to the adolescent. These transformational challenges are often associated with emotional turmoil including depression. Indeed a recent review of the mental health burden among children and adolescents worldwide indicate that 10–20 % of them in the general population will suffer from at least one mental disorder in a given year [9]. The commonest of these mental health problems is unipolar depressive disorder which has been reported to be associated with a myriad of complications including impaired academic and social functioning and accounting for 40·5 % of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by mental and substance use disorders [10], risky behaviours [11] as well as increased mortality rates through suicide [12].
In a study by Kessler and colleagues who analyzed data from 10,123 school-going adolescents in the age range of 13–17 years, a prevalence rate of depressive disorder of 2.6 % was found. The high rates of depressive symptoms may also be due to general psychosocial distress resulting from general hardships in living, school related stress and poverty while the low rates of Major depressive disorder could be explained by the factors that promote resilience.
The prevalence of depressive symptoms was more than twice as common in girls as in boys. The excess of affected girls is seen in epidemiological as well as clinical samples, and is robust across different methods of assessment. Previous researchers have explained that sex differences in rates of depression are therefore unlikely to be merely due to differences in help-seeking or reporting of symptoms [13]. Although the reasons for this post-pubertal-onset sex difference are not fully understood, recent studies indicate that this difference is probably due to some combination of age-related changes in biological or social circumstances [14].
“WHEN I have a bout of depression,” says Anna, * “I have no motivation to do anything, not even the things I usually love to do. All I want to do is sleep. I often feel that I am unlovable, worthless, and a burden to others.”
“I thought about suicide,” recalls Julia. “I didn’t really want to die. I just wanted to stop feeling this way. I’m normally a caring person, but when I’m depressed, I care little about anyone or anything.”
Anna and Julia were in their early teens when they first experienced depression. While other young people might occasionally feel down, Anna and Julia had periods of depression that persisted for weeks or months at a time. “It’s like being stuck in a deep, dark hole with no way out,” Anna says. “You feel like you are losing your mind, losing who you are.”
Anna and Julia’s situation is not uncommon. The diagnosis of depression among the young appears to be increasing at an alarming rate, and depression is “the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years,” says the World Health Organization (WHO).
When mental-health professionals suspect depression, they usually look for groups of symptoms that persist for weeks and that disrupt a person’s everyday life.The symptoms of depression can appear during adolescence and may include;
changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and weight.
Feelings of despair, hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness may also appear.
social withdrawal
trouble concentrating or remembering,
suicidal thoughts or actions, and medically unexplained symptoms.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TEEN DEPRESSION
According to World Health Organization, WHO, “depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors.” These may include the following.
Physical factors. As was true in Julia’s case, depression often runs in families, suggesting that genetics can play a role, perhaps affecting chemical activity in the brain. Other physical risk factors include cardiovascular disease and changing hormone levels, as well as ongoing substance abuse, which may intensify depression, if not give rise to it. *
Stress. While a little stress can be healthy, chronic or excessive stress can be physically and psychologically harmful, sometimes to the point of plunging a susceptible, or biologically vulnerable, teen into depression. That said, the exact causes of depression remain unclear and may involve a combination of factors, as mentioned earlier.
Stress-related factors linked to depression may include;
Parental divorce or separation
The death of a loved one,
Physical or sexual abuse
a serious accident
Illness
Learning disability—especially if a child feels rejected as a result.
Bullying
Uncertainty about the future
Emotional estrangement by a depressed parent, and parental unpredictability.
A related factor may be unrealistically high parental expectations, perhaps in regard to scholastic achievement.
What May Help a Teen to Cope?- The role of Faith and Family
Consider the following scenarios:
Nothing makes Jennifer (Christian by faith) happy anymore. For no apparent reason, she cries uncontrollably every day. She avoids people and barely eats. It is difficult for her to sleep or concentrate. Jennifer wonders: ‘What is happening to me? Will I ever be myself again?’(15)
Mark used to be a model student. But now he hates school, and his grades are plummeting. Mark has no energy for the sports he once enjoyed. His friends are confused. His parents are worried. Is this just a phase—or something more?
Do you often feel like Jennifer or Mark? If so, what can you do? You could try these two options:
Try to cope on your own
Talk to a trusted adult
Option A may be tempting, especially when you don’t feel like talking. But is it the smarter choice? The Bible says: “Two are better than one . . . for if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up?”—Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10.
To illustrate: Suppose you were lost in a high-crime neighborhood. It’s dark, and strangers lurk around every corner. What would you do? You could try to find a way out by yourself. But wouldn’t it be wiser to ask someone you could trust for help?
Feelings of depression are much like that dangerous neighborhood. True, a temporary bout of the blues may pass on its own. But if depressed feelings are prolonged, it’s best to get help.
BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Whoever isolates himself . . . rejects all practical wisdom.”—Proverbs 18:1.
The advantage of option B—talking to a parent or another trusted adult—is that you can benefit from the experience of someone who has managed difficult emotions.
You might say: ‘But my parents don’t have a clue what it’s like to feel this way!’ Yet, do you know that for sure? Even if the situations they faced as teens were different from those you face, their feelings may have been the same. And they may know a way out!
BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Is not wisdom found among the aged, and does not understanding come with a long life?”—Job 12:12.
The point: If you confide in a parent or another trusted adult, you are likely to obtain advice that works
What if it’s a Medical Problem?
If you feel depressed every day, you might have a medical condition that needs to be treated, such as clinical (or, major) depression.
In adolescents, the symptoms of clinical depression can feel a lot like common teenage moodiness, but they are likely to be more intense and persistent. So if your sadness is severe and ongoing, why not talk to your parents about getting a medical checkup?
BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.”—Matthew 9:12.
If you are diagnosed with major depression, there’s no reason to feel ashamed. Depression in young people is common, and it is treatable! Your true friends will not think less of you.
Tip: Be patient. Recovery from depression takes time, and you can expect to have both good and bad days. *
Depression and Teenage Girls
The incidence of depression in teenage girls appears to be higher than that of boys. One factor may be the stress resulting from emotional, physical, or sexual harassment or abuse, which girls often have to cope with. “When a scary external world and a chaotic internal world collide,” wrote professional counselor Sharon Hersh, “the result is often overwhelming and confusing.” Girls may also be unduly influenced by media portrayals of the “ideal” body. A girl who sees herself as physically undesirable or who is overly concerned about peer approval may be more vulnerable to depression. *
Recovery Action Plan;How to Care For Your Mind and Body
Whether you are suffering from clinical depression or are just passing through an emotionally difficult time, remember this: By accepting the help of others and taking personal steps toward healing, you can deal with depression.
Moderate to severe depression is usually managed with medication and counseling by a mental-health professional. * Jesus Christ said: “Those who are strong do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” (Mark 2:17) And illness can affect any part of our body, including our brain! Lifestyle changes may also be advisable because our mind and body are closely connected.
Take reasonable measures to care for your physical and mental health. For instance, eat wholesome meals /healthy diet, getting the right amount of sleep and regular exercise . Exercise releases chemicals that can lift your mood, increase your energy, and improve your sleep. If possible, try to recognize triggers and early warning signs of a depressive mood and create a suitable plan of action. Confide in someone you trust.
A supportive network of close family members and friends may help you to cope more effectively with your depression, possibly reducing symptoms.
Record your thoughts and feelings in a journal—You may also find it helpful to keep a journal where you can record your feelings, goals for healing, setbacks, and successes, a practice that helped Julia, quoted earlier.
Above all, be sure to address your spiritual need if this matters to you. This can greatly improve your outlook on life. Jesus Christ said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.”—Matthew 5:3.
Credits; (JW.ORG) Eat well, stay active, and get sufficient sleep
You can find comfort by satisfying your spiritual need
Both Anna and Julia attest to Jesus’ words. Anna says: “Spiritual activities make me focus on other people, not just on my own problems. That isn’t always easy, but I am much happier as a result.” Julia finds comfort in prayer and Bible reading. “Pouring out my heart to God in prayer calms me,” she says. “And the Bible helps me to see that I am valuable in God’s eyes and that he really cares about me. Bible reading also gives me a positive view of the future.”
As our Creator, Jehovah God fully understands how our upbringing, experiences in life, and genetic makeup influence our outlook and emotions. He is therefore able to supply needed support and comfort, perhaps doing so through compassionate and understanding fellow humans. Moreover, the time will come when God will heal us of all our illnesses, physical or mental. “No resident will say: ‘I am sick,’” says Isaiah 33:24.
Yes, the Bible promises that God “will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Revelation 21:4) How comforting and reassuring that is! If you would like to learn more about God’s purpose for mankind and the earth, please visit us at jw.org. There you will find an excellent online Bible, as well as articles on a broad range of topics, including depression.
What Parents Can Do
Recognize that depressed teens may find it hard to express their feelings or may not understand what is happening to them. They may not even be aware of the symptoms of depression.
Teens tend to express their depression in ways different from those of adults, so be alert to major changes in your child’s behavior, eating habits, moods, sleep patterns, or social interactions—especially if the changes persist for weeks.
Take seriously any comments or hints regarding suicide.
If you suspect depression (not just the blues), consider getting a professional diagnosis.
Help your teen adhere to the doctor’s prescribed treatment, and consult the doctor if you see no improvement or observe unpleasant side effects.
Have a stable family routine for eating, exercising, and sleeping.
Maintain good communication with your teen, and help him or her to deal with any stigma associated with depression.
Because depression can make one feel alone, ashamed, or worthless, regularly reassure your teen of your love.
Create a “First-Aid Kit” for Your Emotions
If you suffer from depression, a practical suggestion to help you control your thoughts and feelings is to create what has been called an emotional first-aid kit. The kit, which can be adjusted as you see fit, might include the items on this page.
Contact information of people to call when you feel down
A journal containing your positive thoughts as well as positive experiences you have enjoyed
Cued from www.jw.org/en/ (follow link;https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/teenagers/)
References
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In adolescents, the symptoms of clinical depression can feel a lot like common teenage moodiness, but they are likely to be more intense and persistent. So if your sadness is severe and ongoing, why not talk to your parents about getting a medical checkup?
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