Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Depression and its effects in adolescents
Teen depression psychology
Depression and suicidal thoughts short essay
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Depression and its effects in adolescents
Dylan Klebold had depression. There was no doubt after his journal was revealed that he had depression. His parents did not notice his struggle with this illness. His enormous feeling of worthlessness and sadness directed him to his violent outburst with Eric Harris. Eric Harris wasn't depressed just angry. His anger fueled Dylan's small frustration with himself to lead to violence. Depression is a severe issue; it can lead to violence, anger, suicide, murder and several many things.
Depression is different than the occasional sadness or "blues". Depression is persistent and often interferes with the person's ability to get along with their parents and friends. Like Dylan, his depression was over a 2 year period or longer. It hinders with schoolwork and that person's ability to interact with others. They trouble to participate in normal day activities. Although not many teens show signs of depression, like Dylan Klebold, there are several ways to recognize depression; if they exhibit extreme and enduring sadness (Bonin). Also they may show constant anxiety or empty feelings; they may feel hopeless, worthless, or helpless. They may exhibit frequent crying episodes, or an increase in agitation and restlessness. Fatigue, decreased energy, loss of interest and difficulty concentrating are also common. It may be hard for them to remember details and make decisions. Their sleep habits also be changed, loss of sleep or too much sleep is often experienced. Poor appetite and overeating are common and may lead to eating disorders. (Busch).
There are several possible theories of where depression comes from, such as bullying, learned patterns of negative thinking, victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or mental abuse, and early child...
... middle of paper ...
...le with whether or not they believe life is worth living, like Dylan Klebold, several of them contemplate suicide. Many will take action and may or may not succeed. Whether they choose to attempt suicide or not they suffer from intense sadness and the feeling or worthlessness. Depression can lead to several things like violence or suicide or even murder. The causes of the intense anger that lead to violent outbursts is very dangerous.
Works Cited
Bonin, Liza, PhD. "Patient Information: Depression in Adolescents (Beyond the Basics)." N.p., n.d. Web.
Busch, Fredric N. "Anger and Depression." Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. N.p., 2009. Web.
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Teen Depression." Mayo Clinic. N.p., 07 Nov. 2012. Web.
"Myths and Facts." N.p., n.d. Web.
Scott, Paula S. "11 Warning Signs of Depression." N.p., 16 Feb. 2012. Web.
"Suicide Statistics." N.p., n.d. Web.
Harris was “the callously brutal mastermind” while Klebold was the “quivering depressive who journaled obsessively about love and attended the Columbine prom three days before opening fire” (Columbine High School, History). On an article published by Cullen on Slate.com, it reveals the true motivation and meaning behind the actions of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.
The Columbine high school, located in Littleton, Colorado, never expected that two of their older students would turn against them and commit such a crime. Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, were “social outcasts” and were fascinated by Goth culture and violent video games. The major question that has been spinning in everyone’s mind since that day is, “Did the video games and media influence them to kill, or did they have a mental illness; born as murders?”
Depression is feeling low. Dont feel good about self and unhappiness. Mood changes include feelings of guilt and worthless, being sad for a period of time, and become disinterested in things they enjoyed or liked. Some behavior changes are suicide thoughts, eating or sleeping more or less, can`t concentrate, and poor performance in school work or job.
Eric Harris, a seventeen year-old who committed the Columbine High School massacre next to his companion Dylan Klebold, wrote “I have a goal to destroy as much as possible… I want to burn the world. Kill mankind, no one should survive” (Cullen). Klebold was said to be suicidal and depressive and would always blame himself for the problems he encountered. On the other hand adults described Harris as a nice sweet-faced young boy, but they didn’t see the cold and calculating person he truly was. Both teenagers have been bullied all through out high school and had an intention to make everyone suffer as much as they did. For Harris the victims meant nothing to him, same feeling as someone who cuts the turkey for Thanksgiving. They both wanted a revenge and control so powerful that it would be assumed to be the greatest massacre in the history of the US, which made that their horrifying motiv...
“Kill me, please. I can’t believe I did that.” These were the chilling words of Michael Carneal, a fourteen year old boy who massacred a group of students in a prayer circle at his school (Johnson). Many cases of school shootings show students distressed and sometimes incapacitated by certain mental diseases that cause them to lose conscious control of their actions, such as Carneal who was later diagnosed with schizophrenia (Johnson). Many more cases however, are perpetrated by students suffering from severe depression or extreme psychosis. Nine out of ten shooters surveyed were depressed and/or experiencing suicidal thoughts (Toppo). “Research shows that people who carry out school shootings are usually social outcasts, full of rage, and show little signs of remorse or regret during their crimes,” (Johnson). One of the most famous school shootings was the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, in which 15 people were killed and 24 injured by two high school students (Timeline of Shootings). One of the shooters, Dylan Klebold, was later discovered to be a severely depressed and miserable youth, whereas his partner Eric Harris was discovered to be a psychopath with a strong superiority complex and need for control (Toppo).
Depression and Mental Illness: Crime or Violence/ Treatment or Punishment ABSTRACT Statement of the Problem According to Michael D. Yapko, PhD,(1997) "in every way, depression is a growing problem. Rates of depression have steadily climbed over the last 50 years and are significantly higher in those born after 1954 than in those born before. In addition, the average age of on-set depressive episode is steadily decreasing it is now mid-20s whereas it once was mid-30s. Cross-cultural data show that the United States has a higher rate of depression and mental illness than almost any other country, and that as Asian countries Westernize their rates of depression increase correspondingly."(p.37) And according to the Illinois State Police, (1999), "one of seven depressed people will commit an act of violence against themselves or others." (p.1) The purpose of this paper is to view and discuss depression and mental illness risk factors associated with violence.
Teenage Depression. Everywhere you look these two words appear together as one, in newspapers and magazines, as well as in scholarly reports. Teenage depression is one of today's "hot topics" this among other teenage mental health problems, has been brought to the forefront of public consciousness in recent years after several incidents involving school shootings (CQ 595). The environment that teens grow up in today is less supportive and more demanding than it was twenty years ago. Not only are the numbers of depressed teens rising, but children are also being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. Studies have found that, "There is an estimated 1.5-3 million American children and adolescents who suffer from depression, a condition unrecognized in children until about 20 years ago" (CQR 595). This increase in depression is due to social factors that teenagers have to deal with everyday. A recent study found that, "About five percent of teenagers have major depression at any one time. Depression can be very impairing, not only for the affected teen, but also for his or her family-and too often, if not addressed, depression can lead to substance abuse or more tragic events" (NAMI.org). Gender roles and other societal factors including the pressures on girls to look and act a certain way, the pressures on boys to suppress their emotions and put on a tough front and the pressures on both sexes to do well in school and succeed, all contribute to depression in teens today. Depression is a growing problem which crosses gender lines and one that needs to be dealt with with more than just medication.
After reading “The Mind of Those who Kill, and Kill Themselves” by Erica Good. It is descrived, how someone can good from a cherfull person to a violent one. By examining the viewpoints of psychiatrys and mass murderes we try to explain the bieviors and reasons for doing this.As it is many people have a violent way and deside to kill people, and kill themselves.
There are many factors linked to teenage depression; however, being a victim of bullying is claimed to be the preeminent motive for the distress of the teen. In fact, an analysis done by the University of Harvard has shown
Depression. Is depression possible in young adults? Not until recently doctors thought that kids were not prone to depression. They thought that depression was purely an “adult” disease. Nowadays, every doctor knows that a child could be depressed too. The causes of adolescent depression and treatment outcomes were explored in the article by Pat Wingert and Barbara Kantrowitz “Young and Depressed” that I will discuss.
Dylan Klebold was undeniably sick, as his journal and other writings can prove. A very intelligent yet shy boy, Dylan felt isolated and unloved by both family and friends. Dylan’s best friend, Eric Harris, was equally sick--if not more so--than Dylan and incredibly persuasive. Above all, Dylan wanted to die. Although Dylan wanted to love and be loved, his mind was plagued with thoughts of death and suicide. Dylan Klebold’s actions were a direct result of his relationships with family and classmates, his friendship with Eric Harris, and the mental demons that howled in his mind.
Adolescent despondency affects the way an individual sleeps, eats, the way they feel about themselves and those around them (“Side Effects of Untreated Depression”). This particular mental disease changes the outlook on a teenager’s view on themselves, loved ones, and their surroundings. Depression can be a responsive action to certain situations, such as emotional trauma, and stress. It can have devastating, and in some cases, life threatening, effects on younger members of society. Due to the fact that normal, unaffected teenagers naturally have fluctuating moods, it is much more difficult to diagnose depression at this age.
The regular instances of criminal activities which involves harming or killing someone else (Homicide) or killing oneself (Suicide) is a common occurrence which at many instances can be attributed to some sort of mental disorder. Not all patients having one or another form of mental disorder displays aggressiveness enough that can lead to homicide, or at the other end of spectrum is so overwhelmed with hopelessness that the patient eventually comes to end his/her life. But, there is evidences which indicate that there is increased probability of these occurrences among individuals suffering from a mental disorder.
It may even come abruptly, happening in just a few weeks or days. Nervous breakdowns are commonly associated with depression and are often identified due to the confusion and fear that depression brings. Depression heavily influences emotions and one’s outlook on life and more than often ends up changing a person’s life in a major way. People experiencing depression often feel sad every day and cry very often, making that too another daily routine. Even when participating in activities that used to bring joy, people begin to lose interest and begin secluding themselves from people and things they love. Depression still exists in the teen population and recently has begun increasing in numbers. Reports of depression in teenagers have shown different signs from those of adults. Physical complaints are very common in the younger crowd, including stomachaches and headaches. It also leads to or is in correlation with eating disorders or abnormality, social withdrawal, and of course, depressed mood. They may feel unenthusiastic about school and other activities. Their sleeping patterns become irregular and unhealthy, they may sleep more, but still feel an extreme lack of energy or enthusiasm. Elderly people with depression usually complain of physical rather than emotional
...ide vary for every person. Depression does not just affect the teenagers, it affects those in their lives as well. Depression has an extremely negative impact on the person who has it and those surrounding him/her. Teens are more likely to stay around their peers, who may have the same situations, rather than encounter their own families (Belliner 65). Depression is a shift in mood where one becomes unhappy with their life for an amount of time,short or long. The thing about depression is that it is not always recognizable. A teen might play it off as if nothing were happening and carry on with their life. Even though it is not noticed among many there are numerous warning signs to watch for. The most common signs in adolescents include: negativity, angry outbursts, continuous worry, lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, become reckless,