Depression among teens is becoming a serious mental health issue that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. This rise is raising questions about the causes and responsibilities.
What causes depression among teens?
Genetics: Teens with a family history of depressive disorder are at a higher risk of developing the condition. This suggests a genetic link to depression as inherited traits make some adolescents more vulnerable.
Brain chemistry: Imbalance in neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, affects mood regulation in teens. These chemical imbalances contribute to rising teenage depressive disorder.
Hormonal change: The teenage years are marked by hormonal changes because of puberty. Thus, fluctuations in hormonal levels affect their mood and emotional instability, which increases the chances of depression. Girls, in particular, are more vulnerable since they face mood swings related to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycles.
Social media influence: Social media platforms have become a part of everyday life for teens, but they also contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety and inadequacy. Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and TiKToK promote an environment of comparison. The constant comparison and the pressure to be perfect online leads to low self-esteem and depression. According to Yale Medicine, the use of social media among teens is higher, where up to 95 per cent of them aged 13 to 17 use social media.
The algorithms driving these platforms are curated in a way that keeps users engaged and leads to prolonged use that interrupts daily routine, in essence, sleep, academic work and spending time with parents. Excessive screen time has been associated with poor mental health. The constant need for validation and the fear of missing out also create a cycle of anxiety/unhappiness, increasing depressive symptoms.
Family dynamics: A lot of times, parents pressurize their kids for many reasons, in terms of being career oriented, comparing with others belonging to the same age group, instead of listening to them. Teens constantly fight with their daily battles, academic and self-doubts, and additional pressure from family members makes them stressed.
Academic pressure: The pressure to perform well in school and secure a future career path most of the time leads to stress and burnout. Expectations from parents, teachers and society make teenagers feel overwhelmed, due to which results in anxiety and depressive disorder.
In countries like South Korea, academic pressure is a well-documented cause of depression in teens. The focus on education and entrance exams like the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is so intense students feel high levels of stress and anxiety. A survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs found that 70 per cent of high school students felt academic pressure was overwhelming for them.
Bullying and peer pressure: Bullying both in person and online (cyberbullying) is a major cause of depression in teens. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), repeated verbal, emotional and physical abuse erodes a teenager’s self-worth, and they feel degraded. Peer pressure, whether it is about appearance, popularity or substance use, also stresses teens to handle their fragile emotions.
Evidence is seen with a high-profile case of cyberbullying in the United States in 2023. The case led to the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl named Adriana Kuch from New Jersey. She was severely bullied online and in person by her peers, who posted videos of a physical assault on social media. The relentless cyberbullying left no choice other than suicide.
Traumatic events: When teenagers experience traumatic events like the health of a loved one, parental divorce and physical, emotional and sexual abuse, they feel triggered, leading to depression. Research indicated that approximately 24 per cent of youths face traumatic events due to which they feel depressed.
What are the symptoms of depression in teens?
Depression in teens manifests differently than in adults. Below are some of the common symptoms –
Irritability or anger: Unlike adults, teens express their depressive disorder through irritability, frustration and anger.
Sleep problems: Teens feel difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping are signs of depressive disorders.
Difficulty in concentrating: Struggling to focus, make decisions, and complete tasks is a common sign of depressive disorder.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: Some teens engage in self-harm behaviour, including cutting, and express suicidal ideation as a way to cope with their emotions.
Mood: Teens feel a deep sense of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for an extended period.
Loss of interest: A noticeable decline in interest in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, sports and socializing with friends, are common signs of depressive disorders in teens.
What are the different types of depression in teens?
Major depressive disorder: MDD is the most common form of depression. This is characterised by a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities, lasting for at least two weeks for a diagnosis.
Persistent depressive disorder: PDD, alternatively known as dysthymia, is a long-term form of depressive disorder that is less severe but last for two years.
Bipolar disorder: This is even though commonly diagnosed in adults, teens also experience bipolar disorder. It involves alternating periods of depressive disorder and mania (extreme high energy and activity).
Seasonal affective disorder: Teens experience depression during certain seasons. As if in the winter when there is less sunlight. SAD is associated with lethargy, sleep problems and mood changes in teens.
Situational depression: Triggered by life events, including a major life change, this type of depression is short-term but develops into a more chronic form of depression when it is left untreated.
What are treatments to prevent depression?
Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
Cognitive behavioral therapy, shortly CBT, helps teens recognize and change negative thought patterns. The significance of psychotherapy is that it helps them to cope with skills to manage depression and improve their emotional well-being. Moreover, interpersonal therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills improving emotional health.
Medication
Antidepression medications are prescribed in some cases. This is noticed when depression is severe or when other treatment methods have not been effective. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including fluoxetine (Prozac), are used during this treatment. While this form of treatment is very apt, medication should be prescribed by a psychotherapist and monitored with proper measures to avoid side effects, which can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in younger patients.
Lifestyle changes or meditation
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Here, the role of family or parents is important to encourage teens to participate in sports or other forms of exercise to help drag them out from such conditions. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains would have a positive effect on their mental health.
Family therapy
Depression in teens affects the entire family. Family therapy would help improve communication, resolve complications and make stronger support networks with each other.
Support groups
Peer support groups give a safe space for teens to share their experiences with others going through similar complexities. This means that a teen suffering from depression should be surrounded by a good companion of friends who would help reduce feelings of isolation.
School-based counselling
16 social workers from #SierraLeone's Ministry of Social Welfare have been trained in the Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) intervention, with support from UNICEF. Thanks to this training, they’re now equipped to support teens in coping with stress, anxiety & depression pic.twitter.com/SD6BO65K83
— UNICEF Sierra Leone (@UNICEFSL) August 21, 2024In the US, schools are focusing on one-on-one counselling, group therapy and mental health awareness programs (i.e. Mental Health Day on October 10). These services within academic, social and emotional well-being help teens to understand their mental state and also, with time cope with it. In Finland, too, schools focus on student well-being. This is achieved through initiatives like school welfare team, counsellor availability and preventive care that help teens reduce stress.
FAQ
1. What causes depression among teens?
Depression in teens can be caused by several factors, including genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, hormonal changes, social media influence, family dynamics, academic pressure, bullying, peer pressure, and traumatic events. Each of these can contribute to a teen’s emotional instability, leading to depression.
2. How does social media contribute to teenage depression?
Social media promotes a culture of comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The algorithms keep teens engaged for long periods, disrupting sleep and academic work, while constant validation needs and fear of missing out can trigger anxiety and depression.
3. What are the symptoms of depression in teens?
Common symptoms include irritability or anger, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, persistent sadness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
4. What types of depression are common among teens?
Types of depression that affect teens include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and Situational Depression.
5. How can parents and families help teens with depression?
Parents and families can support teens by fostering open communication, participating in family therapy, encouraging physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and being involved in their mental health journey. Strong family support plays a critical role in managing teen depression.
6. How does academic pressure contribute to teen depression?
Academic expectations from parents, teachers, and society can overwhelm teens, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. In countries like South Korea, intense focus on education and exams has been a major contributor to teen mental health issues.
7. What treatments are available to help teens with depression?
Treatments for teen depression include psychotherapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (such as SSRIs), lifestyle changes, family therapy, peer support groups, and school-based counselling programs.
8. What role can schools play in addressing teen depression?
Schools can offer mental health support through one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and mental health awareness programs. Initiatives like these help teens understand and manage their mental health while reducing the stigma around depression.
