Introduction
Depression is a mental disorder that affects the afflicted individuals' mood and behavior. Teenagers suffering from depression feel unhappy, hopeless and lethargic. According to Psychology Information Online, approximately four out of 100 teenagers get seriously depressed each year. This mood disorder affects all areas of teenagers' lives, including the home, school, friends and community. The symptoms of depression may be more pronounced in teenagers who are already overwhelmed with the stress and pressures of puberty. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious problems, such as self-medication with drugs or alcohol or thoughts or suicide.
How Depression Affects Emotions
With depression, the symptoms can last several weeks or several months. According to the "Teen Depression" guide, depression can destroy the very essence of teenagers' personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair or anger. During this difficult time, teens may feel that life has no meaning. If something bad happens, such as a family illness, death or divorce, the teenagers may feel guilt even though they had nothing to do with the situation. Crying spells are also possible with depressed teens, especially girls. Teenagers may also feel isolated or alone and that no one understands how they feel or what they are going through. Teenagers who are depressed have racing thoughts, wandering minds and find it hard to concentrate. Depressed teens also have a tendency to lose interest in school activities, friends and hobbies. The hormonal changes may intensify emotions and make teenagers more irritable or hostile. Thoughts of suicide are common in depression. Teenagers may talk frequently of suicide and/or death.
How Depression Affects Behavior
Depression also affects the behavior of teenagers. Sleeping more is one of the signs of depression. But individuals suffering from depression may still be tired and weak after sleeping many hours. Conversely, some depressed teens suffer from insomnia or the inability to stay asleep. Eating too much or not eating enough are both possible with depression. Some teens may overeat as a way to medicate themselves while others turn to drugs or alcohol. Teens may have little interest in school or homework and stop caring about the future. Some teens may have poor attendance records. With others, grades may drop considerably. Withdrawal from friends and family and a preference for being alone are also possible with depression. Running away from home or talking about leaving can also be signs of depression. In severe cases, teenagers may cut themselves or attempt self-mutilation. If teens fall into serious depression, they may try to kill themselves.
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