Depression makes it feel impossible for this dark mood to lift. Your teen might be expressing this mental health issue through all kinds of symptoms, including feelings of worthlessness and guilt, difficulty concentrating, physical discomfort, social withdrawal and even changes in their eating habits. Your teen might be experiencing a mixture of behavioural or emotional changes due to their depressive state, or they could be hiding it with other destructive behaviours such as drinking, drugs or even excessive gaming.
If you’re worried about your teen’s struggle with their mental health, Yes We Can Youth Clinics provides help for depression that may help them overcome this mood disorder, giving them the tools they need to improve their quality of life and live and function positively. In the meantime, understanding the main causes of depression in young adults can help you comprehend what they might be going through, and increase your ability to support them through this difficult period. While there is no black and white answer, there are numerous factors that could be at play. Read on to find out more.
Family difficulties
When their family is experiencing difficulties, such as their parents divorcing or separating, or a feud is threatening the harmony of the family home, it’s not uncommon for anxiety and depression to take hold.
The death of a loved one
A traumatic event such as the death of a loved one can have all kinds of consequences on the mental health of the young adults in your life. A sense of loss that is difficult to shake can lead to a change in behavioural patterns and negative thinking, which in turn can develop into depression.
Brain imbalances
Sometimes, the cause may be attributed to a physical cause. When the neurotransmitters in the brain are imbalanced or compromised, it can affect the nerve cells, which in turn can lead to depression. Chemical imbalances are associated with the following neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Childhood trauma
Often, depression can have its roots all the way back to early childhood. Often caused by traumatic events such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Living through these events can leave survivors more susceptible to depression.
Family history
Studies have shown that young adults with a family history of depression, for example in a parent or grandparent are much more likely to be susceptible to depression themselves.
Self-esteem issues
If your teen is in a constant battle with their self-esteem due to chronic bullying, peer pressure, obesity, or even problems with academia, then they’re more likely to develop certain personality traits such as being pessimistic, become overly dependent on others and overly self-critical, which in turn can develop into depression.
Final thoughts…
If you believe your teen is suffering from depression, it’s important that you support them and seek help as soon as possible. Also, check out this post on tips for teens struggling with mental health issues.
*Collaborative post
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