Causes and Effects of Teenage Depression

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Teenage depression is a widespread issue, and one that can have damaging effects.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it is currently affecting nearly 20% of all adolescents. Teen depression stems from a variety of common causes, often resulting in unhealthy habits and other potentially harmful behavior. The effects caused by teenage depression can lead to minor damage, or to lifetime issues prolonged by mental illness.

Many factors contribute to the appearance of depression in teens, with the vulnerability-stress model has indicating that teens who are affected more than likely have a predisposition to the illness. The intensification of one’s negative mental state can be triggered in various methods, some being typical in setting, and others unique to the individual. School anxiety, social stress, family issues, self image, emerging sexuality and other adversity caused by biological circumstances are all common triggers. Overwhelming school work, peer pressure, a divorce, self loathing towards external physical assets, sexual confusion, or hormo nal mood shifts are all examples of events that could lead to depression.Other pre-existing physical illness could also contribute to teenage depression, with asthma, sickle cell anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent abdominal pain, and diabetes mellitus considered high risk. (David Bennett, ‘Depression among children with chronic medical problems’)

Recent statistics have shown an increase in teenage depression particularly in girls. Depression rates triple between the ages of 12 and 15 among adolescent females according to a report from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The report also found that girls ages 12 to 17 are threes times...

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...ipolar disorder, schizophrenia and alcoholism can all be contributing alternative illnesses. Depression combined with substance abuse also can increase the teen’s risk significantly. (National Institute of Mental Health, “In Harm’s Way: Suicide in America”)

Consequently, with teenage depression on the rise, it is essential to reiterate the causes of depression, and the serious results that can come from them. It is also essential to assess those at most risk, the most common triggers and attempt to lessen the danger. Treatment and recognition is key, as is gauging the significance of the issue both at school and home. Treatment of depression can also contribute to decreasing the rate of suicide, mainly those linked to teenage depression. By treating and preventing teen depression, it can possibly pacify the future unpropitious complications caused by the illness.

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