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Causes of Depression in Teens
In the past, depression was a problem for the old due to financial burdens and life frustrations. The young were considered from these burdens, and therefore, cases of teen depressions were minimal. However, in the recent past, psychologists have shown that teen depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Teen depression has become a severe health problem that causes a continuous feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that would generally interest the teen. The increasing pressure as a product of individualism and the need to succeed in an ever-competitive society has changed how teens think and behave. Academic stress and pressure to fit in society can cause an emotional, functional, and physical problem. The symptoms of this condition include emotional, attitude, and behavioral changes. When these signs start to develop, there is a high probability that the individual depicting these signs have a psychological problem that may culminate in depression. Parents should seek professional help to ensure the root of this condition is identified and make necessary changes. This paper aims to discuss some of the reasons why teens develop depression.
Social status is one major course of depression in teens. Social status include issues like family status and their living conditions. Teens from low-income families have a hard time relating to other students from wealthy and affluent families. As a result, they socially isolate themselves on school premises, and it’s easy to develop depression. Another social status issue is the nature of the family from which the teen comes. Teens from abusive families are likely to develop stress disorders, including depression (Taylor, 700). This is because the teenager is under continuous worry that at any time, a member of the family, including the teen himself, may suffer physical or emotional harm. Students from substance abuse families that make either parent to abuse the child under the influence will perform poorly in both class and socially. These social situations make the teen feel worthless and hopelessness which affects his academic and social life.
Another cause of depression in teens is a traumatic life event. There are several traumatic life events that can cause depression for teens. One of these traumatic events includes the loss of loved ones, especially parents or siblings. Siblings are a source of company and social security. For example, girls depend on their elder sisters to guide them through the ender biased social settings in the community. On the other hand, parents are a source of security for teens. They guide the teen’s everyday life, and teens rely on them financially. Loss of these people would be traumatic for any teen, and a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness may develop (Murray et al., 180). Another traumatic event that may cause depression for teens is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a heinous act that leaves the victim under a sense of hopelessness and depression for the victim. Although physical trauma may heal within a short time, the emotional trauma needs time and professional help to heal. If left untreated, it can cause severe psychological problems, especially depression. People who get depressed for these reasons are at a higher risk of committing suicide or having suicidal thoughts.
Lastly, sexual identity and preference can cause depression for teens. Teens are some of the most inconsiderate and unforgiving people in society. Teen bullying based on sexual identity and preference remains to be a painful experience for many. Although recently, there has been a positive perception change leading to more tolerance in the community, transgender, gay and lesbians in the society continue to be discriminated in schools (Budge et al., 545). The discrimination varies from name-calling to physical abuse of people from these sexual orientations and preferences. Sexuality is a critical part of one’s identity, and if these people are not accepted by society, they question their identity. As a result, people from these groups tend to socially isolate themselves to avoid being bullied. Overall these people find it hard to fit in society, and this can lead to depression.
In conclusion, depression is increasingly becoming a challenge for teens. Although in the past, depression was a problem for the old, the new societal settings and individualism have contributed to the recent rise. This paper has discussed some of the causes of depression among teens. One of the reasons is the social status of the teen. Social situations like abusive families and low-income family backgrounds can be stressful for teens. It prevents them from typically relating to those from stable and wealthy families. Another cause of teen depression is a traumatic experience. Loss of loved ones, especially close family members, can be overly stressful for the teen leading to depression. Another traumatic experience that can cause depression is sexual assault. The victim is left with psychological torment that can cause depression if left untreated. Lastly, sexuality can be a challenge for many teens. Schools are some of the most unforgiving and intolerant societal settings. Therefore, those with different sexualities than what is considered normal may suffer physical or psychological bullying. This bullying may lead to depression.
Works Cited
Budge, Stephanie L., Jill L. Adelson, and Kimberly AS Howard. “Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: the roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping.” Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 81.3 (2013): 545.
Murray, Laura K., Judith A. Cohen, and Anthony P. Mannarino. “Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for youth who experience continuous traumatic exposure.” Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology 19.2 (2013): 180.
Taylor, Ozietta D. “Adolescent depression as a contributing factor to the development of substance use disorders.” Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment 21.6 (2011): 696-710.