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How to Spot Teenage Depression

Rising rates of adolescent depression are fueled by some unique stressors faced by this generation, the first to grow up with smartphones and social media, mental-health experts say. While teenagers have always felt pressure to be attractive and well-liked, social media amps up the anxiety with real-time measures of popularity such as “follows” and “likes.” Teens also can see immediately when they’ve been left out of an activity by classmates or friends. Psychologists say this generation of teens also may feel more vulnerable than recent ones because of events such as school shootings, which they follow in real-time—and often via firsthand accounts—on sites such as Twitter or Facebook and…

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 This Is Not the Way to Help Depressed Teenagers

Ever since the pandemic, when rates of teenage suicide, anxiety and depression spiked, policymakers around the world have pushed to make mental health resources more broadly available to young people through programming in schools and on social media platforms. This strategy is well intentioned... But there is now reason to think that this approach is risky. Recent studies have found that several of these programs not only failed to help young people, they also made their mental-health problems worse. Understanding why these efforts backfired can shed light on how society can — and can’t — help teenagers who are suffering from depression and anxiety.

Articles of Interest

A Rise In Depression Among Teens And Young Adults Could Be Linked To Social Media Use

A study published Thursday in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology finds the percentage of U.S. teens and young adults reporting mental distress, depression and suicidal thoughts and actions has risen significantly over the past decade. While these problems also increased among adults 26 and older, the increase was not nearly as large as among younger people.

Depression in adolescence

Unipolar depressive disorder in adolescence is common worldwide but often unrecognised. The incidence, notably in girls, rises sharply after puberty and, by the end of adolescence, the 1 year prevalence rate exceeds 4%. The burden is highest in low-income and middle-income countries. Depression is associated with sub stantial present and future morbidity, and heightens suicide risk.

Depression in girls linked to higher use of social media

Research suggests link between social media use and depressive symptoms was stronger for girls compared with boys.

I think my teen is depressed. How can I get them help and what are the treatment options?

While the diagnosis is the same for adolescents and adults, teens may be more likely to present with irritability and mood changes rather than the low mood typical of adults.

Is a Teen Depressed, or Just Moody?

The hardest questions pediatricians must routinely ask teenagers at checkups are those about depression and suicide. But they aren’t optional; we have to ask them, every time.

I’m worried about a teen in my life.

One out of every five teenagers struggles with depression. Depression can interfere with everyday life for teens and can lead to academic failure, substance abuse, bullying or being bullied, eating disorders, and suicide.

More Children Are Depressed and Anxious. Is Social Media Really Behind It?

Lawmakers have proposed restrictions, but some scientists say it is hard to tell if they will help.

Poorest and brightest girls more likely to be depressed – UK study

Research into 14-year-olds renews concern over rising rates of teenage mental illness.

Remembering good times 'could reduce teenage depression'

Recalling happy events appears to build resilience to mental illness, say scientists.

Should All Teens Be Screened for Depression?

Advocates say screening will increase early diagnoses and lead to better outcomes. Opponents say it will do more harm than good.

Social media use and depression in adolescents: a scoping review

There have been increases in adolescent depression and suicidal behaviour over the last two decades that coincide with the advent of social media (SM) (platforms that allow communication via digital media), which is widely used among adolescents.

Teen Depression and Anxiety: Why the Kids Are Not Alright

Adolescents today have a reputation for being more fragile, less resilient and more overwhelmed than their parents were when they were growing up. Sometimes they’re called spoiled or coddled or helicoptered. But a closer look paints a far more heartbreaking portrait of why young people are suffering. Anxiety and depression in high school kids have been on the rise since 2012 after several years of stability.

Teenage blues vs. depression: How to tell the difference

Being a kid isn’t easy business. Children and teens face new challenges and social pressures often. Not to mention, their growing bodies are changing rapidly, which may cause feelings of sadness or frustration due to the hormonal changes associated with puberty. With all of these stressors on your child’s life, it can be difficult to tell whether he’s suffering from typical teenage blues or something more.

Teenage Brains

Moody. Impulsive. Maddening. Why do teenagers act the way they do? Viewed through the eyes of evolution, their most exasperating traits may be the key to success as adults.

Teens who feel down may benefit from picking others up

Think about the last time you helped someone out. Maybe you sent a supportive text to a stressed-out friend or gave directions to a lost stranger. How did it make you feel? If you said good, happy, or maybe even “warm and fuzzy,” you’re not alone. Research shows that helping others offers a number of important psychological and health benefits.

The truth about teens, social media and the mental health crisis

"Every indicator of mental health and psychological well-being has become more negative among teens and young adults since 2012," Twenge writes in Generations. "The trends are stunning in their consistency, breadth and size."

Why teen depression has increased – and what to do about it

If...social media and smartphones are the cause of the sudden rise in teen depression, it might actually be good news – because we can do something about it.

Resources

3 things parents need to know about adolescent depression

Picture this: Your teenage daughter says her day was “depressing.” Your son tells you he feels “so depressed” after failing a test. Talking in this way has become common, and our ideas about depression may originate from the many things we have heard in our culture or through our personal experiences. Your child may be simply describing normal, everyday mood swings; your child may be reacting to a hard challenge; or your child may be experiencing depression. Sometimes it is hard to know.