Depression in Teenagers

Carrie Tynan

In today's world, teenagers have a lot to deal with from violence, substance abuse and peer pressure. Teen years can be filled with good times, frustration and stress. During these times life changes can bring about depression caused by unrealistic expectations and over reaction to rejection. My teen years were filled confusion, embarrassment and distant with my self. I had trouble accepting my disabilities. I felt very alone and couldn't accomplish any thing because of my disabilities. I also suffered from low self-esteem and confidence.

They are many signs of depression but if two or more signs persist professional help needs to be sought. The symptoms are as followed

1. Poor performance in school

2. Withdrawal from friends and activities

3. Sadness and hopelessness

4. Anger and rage

5. Overreaction of criticism

6. Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals

7. Poor self esteem and feelings of guilt

8. Indecisive, lack of concentration and forgetfulness

9. Restfulness and agitation

10. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

11. Substance abuse

12. Problems with authority

13. Suicidal thoughts

There are several techniques that can be used to combat depression before the symptoms become too severe. Firstly, making new friends and contacts can be enriching and broaden your social horizons. Also joining sports, organizations and doing volunteer can give self-confidence and raise self-esteem. Also learning new skills and taking up new hobbies can be rewarding to the soul. Some of the tips I have used to combat depression are as followed the first one being writing regularly in a journal. I would write down my feelings as a way of bringing closure and expressing my self. In every situation I always weight the positives against the negatives making best of what I have. I always keep a list of my positive characteristics and accomplishments to review daily.

More importantly a strong support system of family and friends is essential. I am very grateful to have my family there to remind me of my strengths, give me support and never let me slip to far into depression.

Today I wake up each day with a renew positive attitude ready to take on new challenges.

Resources

National Mental Health Association Help Line

1-800-969-6642

National Suicide Hotline

1-800-suicide

Focus

1-877-362-8727

Hi, my name is Carrie Tynan and I currently reside in a small town in Michigan. I graduated from Madonna University with a bachelor of arts degree in Social Work. I was born with cerebral palsy which caused my hearing, physical and visual impairments. It has always been my goal to help people with disabilities and bring awareness to society. I have found a way to achieve this goal through writing about my own personal experiences and related topics. I currently write a monthly column called Carrie Writes for Enabled Online, Ideal Lives and Inspired Website. I moderate a chat session on Monday nights for people with hearing impairments at Hearing Exchange. I also keep a weekly online journal at Hearing Exchange about my multiple disabilities. I moderate a home based writer's forum at Writers - BBS Forums. I am currently developing young adult books about teens with disabilities. When I am not writing I enjoy surfing the web, reading, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. My life philosophy is to always be positive and live each day to the fullest.