Depression in the adolescent

Although most associate the word depression with adulthood, the truth is that 5 out of 100 adolescents in our country suffer from this disorder. It is a serious problem that is not less important because it occurs in a young person.

Depression is a disorder that can appear in adolescence and that hinders the ability of the young to continue with their daily routine and breaks the foundations of their relationship with family and friends. Therefore, it is important that parents of adolescent boys are vigilant and can detect signs of a possible depressive state in their children. However, these can be difficult to differentiate from the usual mood swings, present and normal in this evolutionary stage.

What are the warning signs?

There are a variety of signs that can be seen in adolescent behavior that could be indicating the presence of a depressive disorder. However, as mentioned above, many of these behaviors can be perfectly normal at that age, especially if they occur in isolation and not over time. Therefore, given the existence of suspicions on the part of the parents, it will always be necessary to consult with a psychology professional to evaluate the specific case.

Some of these signs to watch out for are:

• Feelings of sadness, lamentation and frequent crying, for no apparent reason.
• Write, read or listen to music on sad and melancholic topics, on the lack of meaning in life or with a pessimistic and desperate approach.
• Lack of hygiene and neglect in physical appearance.
• Low energy, boredom and general apathy. You can show a discouraged and negative attitude, without enthusiasm or motivation for the reality you are living.
• Stop performing, social or cultural or limit those that were previously pleasant or were of interest to you.
• Social isolation, which leads them to stop spending time with friends and family, and which is generally accompanied by a perception that others do not pay enough attention or understand them.
• Difficulty making decisions and facing adverse situations.
• Low self-esteem: they tend to present feelings of guilt, along with high self-criticism and poor self-esteem. A depressed adolescent may feel like a failure, incapacitated, and guilty of negative life circumstances that they are going through at the time.
• Presence of certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or vomiting, and frequent pain, mainly in the head or belly.

Changes in studies, sleep and diet

In the educational environment, a significant drop in academic performance may appear, with difficulties for concentration and attention in class. In this case, it is common when studying and not attending the educational center on a regular basis, together with an attitude that can be conflictive with teachers and classmates.

In addition, there are often significant changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Regarding the former, the manifestations can consist of going to bed very late, having difficulties falling asleep at night and getting up in the morning, suffering from restlessness with frequent awakenings, having drowsiness throughout the day, etc. At the dietary level, certain behaviors related to a significant loss of appetite or compulsive eating may appear. Likewise, they show a tendency to evasion as a form of depressed mood and in search of momentary relief from their situation.

Depressed adolescents often have a strong irritability, projecting his frustration and anger towards relatives or other trusted people, with whom he is excessively critical. Other times, depression leads them to adopt risky social behaviors (drug use, fights, robberies ...). On some occasions, the boy may threaten to leave home, harm himself or express ideas or suicide attempts.

How to act?

In the event that the parents of an adolescent suspect that their child may be suffering from depressive symptoms, it is important first of all to seek the professional help of a psychologist. At the same time, the support that the young person can receive from family and friends to improve their condition is essential. Some indications that parents and close contacts of the child can take into account are the following:

• Foster a strong emotional bond with the young person. It is important that they feel loved and valued.
• Show interest in their life, their experiences, their mood, etc. Having fluent and frequent conversations with the adolescent and offering help and support in aspects that may be worrying him or that he does not know how to deal with are important actions to overcome the situation.
• Never disregard a suicide threat or attempt.

The paper of the parents

It should be borne in mind that many young people with depressive symptoms have not developed enough maturity to become aware that they have a problem and that on many occasions they will not know where or how to ask for the appropriate help. For this reason, it is important that parents can guide them and offer them the necessary support, while collaborating in the most appropriate psychological treatment for each case.

You have doubts?Sign up for Savia, MAPFRE's digital health services platform that allows you to speak for free by chat or video consultation immediately with a doctor.

In addition, you can buy a specialized session for early ages to consult and solve the problems that concern you most in your children.

SIGN UP FREE

• Depression hinders a young person's ability to continue with their daily routine and breaks the foundation of their relationships with family and friends.
• Given the existence of suspicions on the part of the parents, it will always be necessary to consult with a psychology professional to evaluate the specific case
• Symptoms: a significant drop in academic performance may appear, there are often significant changes in sleeping and eating patterns ...

Elena Killed Specialist in Clinical Psychology