Dealing with Teenage Depression

Our adolescent stage may be considered as our ‘trying years’. Adolescents usually try hard to fit in and balance their priorities in life, and oftentimes, their actions are misinterpreted. During this time, the teenager who manifests symptoms of depression may be viewed as acting out or seeking attention. If not given immediate medical attention, depression can have disruptive effects to the adolescent’s life which the individual can carry on until adulthood. Antidepressants like Paxil are often prescribed in people with depression but some filed Paxil lawsuits because of the unwanted effects of the drug. When faced with this situation, the suffering individual must be reassured that he or she is not alone and that help is available.

Signs of Teenage Depression

Depression can be felt by almost all ages and the symptoms are generally true for all, however there are gender specific or age-related symptoms such as those exhibited by adolescents are they are:
· Being frequently irritable, sad or annoyed
· Too much or too little sleep
· Sudden weigh gain or weight loss without trying to
· Easily cries on even the most mundane things
· Degree of concentration is decreased
· Feels hopeless or helpless even with constant help and reassurance
· Has thoughts of death and/or suicide

How to Manage Teen Depression

If you notice that your teen has any symptoms of depression, it would be best to act on it immediately. Acting on the situation immediately may not only bring better results but It can also hinder the teenager from committing suicide. When confronted with the signs presented above, you should call your physician or a specialist as soon as possible. If a specialist or physician is not yet available, the following interventions can be made.

· Support your teenager
Show your teenager that you’ll always have his/her back no matter what happens. However, make sure that you won’t exert yourself too much as teenagers may feel like they’re being patronized which they usually dislike.

· Learn to listen
Take some time to listen to your adolescent. The teenager wants someone who he/she can freely talk to without being lectured.

· Encourage your teenager to open up
Most teenagers avoid their parents because they see them as persons of authority. Parents are always encouraged to reach out to their children regardless of the age. In teenage depression, the parents or the primary caregivers should exert more effort to make their teenagers comfortable in sharing their feelings and emotions. However, parents must also consider their children’s privacy and sense of security while trying to establish a connection.