Teenage Depressioation
Depression Warning Signs Changes in eating and sleeping habits (eating or sleeping too much or too little) Significant change in weight (loss or gain) Often misses school and/or shows bad school performance Reclusive, withdrawing from friends or family members Quick to show anger/rage General restlessness or anxiety Overreacts to criticism, even constructive Seems very self conscious, guilty Unusual problems with authority No longer partakes in or enjoys activities and events they once loved Indecision, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Frequent health complaints despite being healthy Lack of motivation and enthusiasm for every day life Drug/ alcohol abuse Significant life events like the death of a family member or close friend, parents divorce or split breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or moving to a new school/area. Emotional/Physical neglect, being separated from a nurturer, abuse, damage to self esteem. Stress, especially in cases where the teen has little or no emotional supports from parents, other family members, or friends. Past traumatic events or experiences like sexual abuse, general abuse, or other major experiences often harbor deep within a child and emerge in the teen years. Most children are unable to process these types of events when they happen, but of course, they remember them. As they age, the events/experiences become clearer and they gain new understanding. Change associated with puberty often cause emotions labeled as depression. Abuse of drugs or other substances can cause changes in the brain chemistry, in many cases, causing some types of depression. Some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism are believed to affect hormon and mood balance. Physical pain that is chronic can also trigger depression. In many cases,...
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