Clint Eastwood Youth Program - CEYP Newsletter
Issue 12: Moodiness? Or is it more?
|
Moodiness is often considered the hallmark of adolescence. Teenagers are known for emotional turmoil, quick mood changes, gloom, hypersensitivity and “drama.” Moodiness can be just that, but it can also be a cover-up for depression, particularly in children and adolescents.
Studies indicate that approximately 8 percent of adolescents in the United States suffer from depression; childhood depression is on the rise, and the age of onset is dropping. Recent studies show that depression early in a person’s life often persists, or reoccurs in adulthood and can be a predictor of more severe illness later on.
Depression is a serious illness. It often accompanies problems in the family, social system, or school; increases risk of suicide and high-risk behaviors; and substance abuse.
|
Recognizing Depression in Adolescents
The following symptoms may indicate depression:
- Sad, depressed, or irritable most of the time (over at least a 2-week period)
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
- Weight changes (gain or loss)
- Sleep pattern changes (increased or decreased sleep, difficulty sleeping)
- Loss of energy, feeling tired all the time
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Social isolation, poor communication
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Inability to make decisions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Complaints about stomachaches or headaches
- Outbursts of shouting, irritability, or crying
- High-risk or reckless behavior
- Thoughts about death
Many adolescents who are depressed have an accompanying condition such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, disruptive behavior, etc.
Adolescents and children express symptoms differently than adults do. Their depression often manifests itself as irritability, frustration, temper outbursts, and behavior problems.
Depressed teens may feel:
- Overly sensitive to rejection
- Overly criticized
- As though no one cares about them
- Unloved
- Negative and/or pessimistic
They may:
- Be overly critical of themselves
- Have poor self-esteem
- Perform poorly at school and other activities
- Run away from home
- Make suicide attempts
What Can You Do?
Schedule an assessment. A qualified mental health practioner will talk with your child and with you to obtain a history to determine if therapy, medication, or other types of treatment are indicated.
Depression is a serious illness, not something a person can “snap out of,” and it has a major impact on those afflicted as well as their loved ones.
How You Can Help
- Let the person know how much you care
- Find a professional to perform an evaluation
- Be supportive, not argumentative
- Talk openly about the depression and your concerns
- Encourage self-care activities: adequate food, rest, exercise, and participation in positive experiences
Remember, we’re here to help.