The ups and downs of a teenager’s moods have a long list of causes, but few clues for how parents and friends should respond. When sadness becomes cause of depression in teenagers, it may be tied to hormonal changes, stress from an ever-changing status in the world, a family history of depression or a one-time event such as a death of a friend of relative. But it is always serious. Dismissing it as a stage of the age group or trivializing it can lead to tragic consequences later.
Teenagers’ role vis à vis authority figures changes as they age. No longer children, but not yet adults, this ambiguity invariably leads to tension as teens test their limits with curfews, relationships, perhaps even alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Teenage responsibilities in school increase as do the stakes of success or failure. They are expected to make preliminary decisions about career choices – all before they have attained full maturity. Sometimes these pressures result in the shutting down of manic depression in teenagers. Unable to cope with daily tasks, the teenager finds him or herself unable to finish things or takes to sleeping excessively. Signs of depression in teenagers are shown by acting out and engaging in risky behavior. For others depression may manifest itself in more subtle ways, via memory loss or inability to concentrate.
One of the most difficult issues for parents, friends and teachers is to sort out the normal from the abnormal or pathological. When is sadness no longer simply sadness, but depression? The psychological answer is that sadness is a response to an event. Depression is the result of a psychological event. Time is the best measurement. An unfortunate or tragic event will bring sadness, but it should be proportionate to its cause and dissipate over time. The causes, scope and duration of depression are less regular.
The sources of teenage anxiety and depression are indeed many. But caring friends and parents need not be confused over sadness versus depression – both should be taken seriously. The role of families as a support is crucial, teenagers need to feel loved and cared for. The judgments of parents carry extremely high stakes for children, their happiness and well-being must be paramount.
