According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. By definition, it is a prolonged condition of sadness and hopelessness, beyond simply "feeling blue". It goes far deeper, lasts longer, and is much harder to get rid of, affecting every aspect of our lives as we slowly lose the ability to function normally.
How does depression feel, really? What goes on in the minds of the ones who have fallen victim to it?
Humour me for a few moments and imagine you are in a room. This room is your mind, filled with all that you know and think, lit up by hopes, expectations and dreams. Now imagine that light slowly fading out, growing dimmer and dimmer until you are left in complete darkness. Everyone who has ever been in darkness knows that that is when the imagination runs rampant and creates all sorts of monsters you fear will grab you any second. That is depression.
It is when every mistake, no matter how small, is magnified a thousand times over; every criticism replayed infinitely. It is losing hope, faith, strength, and self-esteem to the abyss of darkness that surrounds you.
You would think, with such extreme emotion, that depression would be easy to detect. Not so. In fact, it is a mental illness, which more often than not remains untreated, especially among teenagers. This is mostly due to the fact that family, teachers and friends do not know what to look for, thus they pass off what could be signs of depression as simply being the volatile characteristics of a teen.
In addition, from an insider's viewpoint, teens with depression often do not believe anyone could ever understand. Depression gives you a feeling of being cut-off from the rest of the world, even from the people you love and whom you know love you. Therefore, they go through the torment in silence, out of fear of being misunderstood, judged, or even mocked, which among their peers can be a high possibility.
So why do teenagers get depression?
Depression has yet to be pinpointed to a single source. However, studies have shown many factors may be a trigger. For example, abuse in any form, bullying included; traumatic or stressful events; hormonal changes or low self-esteem might all contribute to depression.
In addition, teenagers are in that confusing stage between childhood and adulthood and may not have a proper way of expressing or dealing with the varied emotions triggered by external factors. This could cause them to revert inward, which results in a buildup of negative feelings that eventually turn into depression. Practicing substance abuse, such as drugs or alcohol, which have been linked to the disease, are also increasing adolescents' risk of developing it.
Signs and symptoms: What to look for and where to find it
Indications that you may be depressed include profound hopelessness and feeling worthless. You might find yourself constantly irritable and angry for no apparent reason, every little thing making you want to scream, cry, or both. You're isolating yourself from friends and family, preferring to be alone yet still inwardly craving for company. Or you might find yourself drawn to a different crowd that you usually wouldn't associate with. The slightest criticism sends you reeling, making you feel useless and pathetic, no matter how kindly worded and constructive the critique was meant to be.
Nothing engages your attention, and the things you once used to feel so passionately about, you've lost all interest for. Focusing is difficult, if not impossible; the fact that you can't focus makes you even more frustrated with yourself. In fact, everything makes you feel so frustrated with yourself that you find you're putting yourself down for so much as breathing too loud. You may start thinking about death, growing steadily suicidal and while it scares you, it also thrills you.
For others who fear someone they know might be depressed, observe carefully. It is natural for a teenager to experience mood swings and personality shifts, as they slowly carve out their own identity, but if the change is extreme and seems to last for far too long, then be on your guard.
Look out for changes in their eating and sleeping habits, especially if they used to thrive off routine. Do they constantly appear restless and agitated? Do they complain of aches and pains, despite being completely healthy otherwise? Sometimes depression manifests itself physically, so if the doctor can't seem to find anything wrong, consider the possibility that depression may be the cause. They might appear constantly fatigued, despite not going any stressful or taxing situations, when they were once full of life and energy.
Be patient and be observant. No one wants to suffer, so while teenagers may appear to be shutting you out, the truth is they want and need help. Trust me, I've been there. There are many cries for help; you just need to learn to listen.
As for you teenagers out there, be brave. If you feel no one seems to be figuring it out, take charge. Admit it to someone you can trust to get you help. Seek help yourself. It will be hard, yes, but believe me, it's even harder to keep living in the darkness. You can do it. I know you can.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnosis or treat Depression. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health, consult with a qualified professional.
Sources:
- The Depressed Child; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Updated May 2008
- Teen Depression Causes and Risk Factors; HealthTree; Accessed: September 9, 2011.
- Depression in Children and Adolescents Fact Sheet; National Alliance on Mental Illness; Ken Duckworth, M.D.; July 2010
- Depression; National Institute of Mental Health; NIH Publication No. 11-3561; Revised 2011
Naila Tariq - An eighteen-year-old senior with a love for writing, a passion for learning and research, and the desire to put them both to good use.
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