Coping with teenage depression

What is teenage depression?

Your teenage years can be really tough and its perfectly normal to feel irritable or upset every now and again. But if these feelings are persistent or become so intense that you feel overwhelmingly hopeless or helpless, you may be suffering from depression. 

Teenage depression is more than a temporary feeling of being sad. It is a mood disorder that can change the way you think, feel and function in your daily life and may lead to problems at home, school or in your social life. You may feel isolated and that no one understand you. However, depression is more common in teenagers than you may think. The increased academic pressures, social challenges, and hormonal changes you experience in these years of your life mean that one in five teenagers suffer with depression. 

It is important to know that you are not alone and the emotions you are experiencing are not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. 

Even though it can feel like your depression will never go away, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself deal with the symptoms you’re experiencing, regain control and feel more positive, energetic and hopeful once again. 

Do I have teenage depression?

Each individual experience depression differently, for some teens, depression is characterised by feelings of despair. For others, Its persistent anger or simply an overwhelming sense of ‘emptiness’. There are some common symptoms that you may or may not experience:

·      You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry.

·      Nothing seems fun anymore – even activities you used to love – and you do not see the point in forcing yourself to do them.

·      You feel bad about yourself – worthless, guilty, or just ‘not right’ in some way or another.

·      You sleep too much or not enough.

·      You may have turned to substance misuse (drugs or alcohol) to try and change the way you feel. 

·      Anything and everything makes you emotional. 

·      You may be extremely sensitive to criticism. 

·      You feel helpless and hopeless, and may have thought about ending your life (if this is the case, please talk to someone and seek help immediately).

Contact details you may find useful;

• Samaritans: Call - 116 123 or Email - jo@samaritans.org

• Papyrus (9am - Midnight): Call - 0800 068 41 41 or Text - 07860 039967 or Email - pat@papyrus-uk.org

• Childline - for children and young people under 19 years old: Call - 0800 1111

Coping with suicidal thoughts

If your negative thoughts caused by depression become so overwhelming you cannot see a solution other than to harm yourself or others, you need to seek help right away. Asking for help whilst experiencing such strong emotions can be really difficult but it is vital you reach out to a friend, family member or teacher – somebody you can trust. If you feel you do not have anyone to talk to, or that talking to a stranger may be easier, ring a helpline. 

Whatever the causes of your depression, the following tips can help you overcome your symptoms, change how you feel, and regain your sense of hope and enthusiasm.

Why am I depressed?

Despite what you may have been told, depression is not simply caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be cured with medication. Rather, depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Since the teenage years can be a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, you are likely facing a host of pressures that could contribute to your depression symptoms. These can range from hormonal changes to problems at home or school or questions about who you are and where you fit in.

As a teen, you are more likely to suffer from depression if you have a family history of depression or have experienced early childhood trauma, such as the loss of a parent or physical or emotional abuse.