Adolescence is a rather difficult stage of human development with its specific emotional and psychological characteristics.

Adolescence is a period when biological changes are most active. Along with maturation, environmental factors play a great role on a teen’s psychology.

Psychologists believe that it is exactly at this stage when the personality formation process takes place. That is why teens are so vulnerable and emotional. Of course, everything depends on the person as well, as some children appear to be more emotional and accordingly, they react differently.

Depression is very common in this stage of development. Depression is usually the result of genetic, environmental and psychological influences. Teen depression has its symptoms and sometimes they may go to extremes. The main symptoms are constant mood changes, usually depressed mood, isolation, problems with self-esteem, anger, aggression, sleepiness or very active behavior, alcohol or drug addiction and others.

Teens are more prone to suicidal thoughts or actions. If your child has these symptoms and if they are chronic then proper psychological help  is a must.

What are the causes of teen depression?  Causes may be different. It is important to mention that genetics also have a part in this. If your family member has or had depression then their teenage child will probably inherit this disorder.  The environment is another factor. Problems at school or home, divorce, personal problems like break ups, change of environment and other factors can trigger depression symptoms. Traumas like the loss of a family member, friend or pet are also among the top causes.

Some teens try to find solutions to their problems in alcohol or drugs.

There are other ways out. Today a number of boys and girls boarding schools and residential treatment centers come with a variety of recovery programs like wilderness therapy and others, for troubled teens.

A healthy environment is the first step to recovery!

Photo © Made Underground

Related posts:

1. Your Capricious Teen
2. MDD: Symptoms And Treatment
3. Troubles Again?

2 Comments »

1. 

   Anxiety and depression is one hell of a nasty disease. even if you have everything but if you have clinical depression, you are still nothing.’`~

   Comment by Sean Kaur — May 1, 2010 @ 6:56 am

2. 

   anxiety and depression are hard to treat if the patient has not been checked for years.

   Comment by Brooklyn Evans — July 10, 2010 @ 5:38 am

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