## **RECOGNITION OF DEPRESSION IN TEENS**

RECOGNITION OF DEPRESSION IN TEENS

Be aware of the risk of depression in adolescents

Your teen is at greater risk for depression if:

· Mood disorders occur in your family.

· It experiences a stressful situation in your life such as a death in the family, divorce of parents, bullying, break with a boyfriend or a girlfriend, or poor performance in school.

· It has low self-esteem and is very critical of himself.

· It's a girl. Adolescent girls are twice as likely to suffer depression than males.

· He has trouble socializing.

· You have learning disorders.

· You have a chronic disease.

· You have family problems or problems with their parents.

Know the symptoms of depression

If your teen is depressed, you can see some of the following common symptoms of depression. If these symptoms last for 2 weeks or more, talk to the doctor who treats you.

· Frequent irritability with sudden outbreaks of anger.

· Increased sensitivity to criticism.

· Complaints of headaches, of stomach or other personal problems. It is possible that your child go much to the nursing school.

· Withdrawal of people such as parents or some friends.

· Not enjoy the activities that usually likes.

· Feel tired for much of the day.

· Feelings of sadness or melancholy most of the time.

Note changes in daily routines of your teen that may be a sign of depression. Your child daily routines can change when it is depressed. You may notice that your child has:

· Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal

· A change in eating habits, such as not being hungry or eating more than usual

· Difficulty concentrating

· Problems to make decisions

Changes in your child's behavior could also be a sign of depression. You may have problems at home or at school.

· Decline in school grades, attendance, not doing chores

· High-risk behaviors, like driving in a reckless manner, have sex without precaution or theft in stores

· Distance from family and friends and spend more time alone

· Drink or drug use

Adolescents with depression may also have:

· Anxiety disorders

· (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

· Bipolar disorder

· (Such as bulimia or anorexia eating disorders)

Take your teen to the doctor

If you are worried that your teen is depressed, see a health care provider. The supplier can perform a physical examination and order blood tests to make sure that it does not have a physical health problem.

The supplier must talk with your child about:

· Your sadness, irritability or loss of interest in normal activities

· The signs of other problems of mental health, anxiety, mania or schizophrenia

· Risk of suicide or other types of violence (and if your child is a danger to himself or to others)

The supplier should ask regarding the consumption of drugs or alcohol. Depressed adolescents are at risk of:

· Drinking excessively

· Regularly smoking marijuana (grass)

· Other drugs

The supplier can talk to other family members or teachers of adolescent. These people can often help to identify signs of depression in adolescents.

Watch for the signs of suicide plans. Note If your child is:

· Giving away possessions to others

· Bidding farewell to family and friends

· Talking about death or suicide

· Writing about death or suicide

· Presenting a personality change

· Running significant risks

· Isolated and wanting to be alone

Call immediately to the supplier or a line serving suicide if you are worried that your child is thinking about killing yourself. Never ignore a threat or attempted suicide.

Identify time your teen depression

Most of the teenagers feel depressed sometimes. Having the support and good skills to cope this helps them overcome these periods of low mood.

Talk to your child often. Ask them about their feelings. Talk about depression will not worsen the situation and can help them to get help more quickly.

Get your child professional help to cope with the low state of mind. Treat depression early can help you feel better faster and may prevent or delay future episodes.

When to call the doctor

Call your care provider if you notice any of the following signs in your teen:

· That is not improving or depression that is getting worse

· Nervousness, irritability, moodiness, or insomnia that is new or is getting worse

· Side effects of medications