|
Larry* was a handsome, gifted teenager from an intact family. Like his parents, he took his faith seriously. Those who knew him described him as cheerful, friendly, hard-working, helpful and fun-loving.
Until his depression hit, that is.
It came without warning. One minute he was his happy, outgoing self. The next minute he could hardly function well enough to find his way home. His parents frantically sought medical help. After a period of treat-ment, the depression left just as abruptly as it had started. But recurring episodes have left him uncertain about himself and about his future.
Teen depression is on the rise and is hitting at younger ages than ever before. One sign of this is the rising rates of suicide for children and teens. Recent studies suggest that 8% of preschool children, 15% of school age children, and up to 20% of teen-agers may be clinically depressed. Though not all will experience symptoms as severe as Larry's, every case deserves attention.
Here are some of the more interesting findings in the studies of teen depression.
1. Depression is not "just a phase." The stresses of adolescence trigger mood swings in most teens. But if symptoms of depression are unusually severe or last for more than three weeks, they should be considered "not normal." 1. Depression tends to run in families.2 In many cases, the parents are or have been depressed. Parents of depressed children are more likely to be divorced than are parents of healthier teens.3
3. Children who believe that bad experiences are the result of permanent causes in themselves, not the result of changeable behaviours or conditions, are more apt to be depressed.4
4. Teen depression continues with age. Adolescents who suffer from depression are more likely to experience depression in adulthood.5
5. Smoking may increase teen depression. It has been assumed that depression increases smoking. Now a study published in the October, 2000, issue of Pediatrics magazine provides convincing evidence that the reverse may also be true.6
The good news is that, while depression seems more common, it is also better understood than ever before. Successful treatment will likely include help from a number of fields. Medication can treat physical causes or stabilize the depressed person long enough to deal with other causes. Biblically based counselling has helped many persons deal with underlying emotional causes of their depression. Spiritual help can often be obtained through focused and specific prayer and fellowship with God's people.
Endnotes:
1. Fournier, Catherine. Teen Depression - Not ";Just a Phase" Domestic Church Communications Ltd., 2000.
2. Focus Adolescent Services. http://www.focusad. com/Depression.html.
3. Elias, Marilyn. More Kids Struggle With Depression. USA Today, February 2, 1999.
4. Ibid.
5. WebMD National News Center. Teen Depression Continues With Age. http://onhealth.webmd.com/ conditions/briefs/item%2C3921.asp.
6. Smith, Deborah. Smoking Increases Teen Depression. Monitor on Psychology 31.11, December, 2000.
*Not his real name.
|
