Depression in teens ;

TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Introduction

Depression is a major source of the burden of disease throughout the

world. In much of the developing world. A social mapping revealed that,
even though the mental disorder has been recognized as a research priority,
only a sparse number of relevant studies have been carried out in low- and
middle-income countries. Roughly 60% of these countries have contributed
fewer than five articles to the international mental health indexed literature.
Strategic evidence is needed in order to prevent the occurrence of depression,
including its pernicious effects and prohibitive treatment cost.
As far back as 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) considered that
depression was the second greatest cause of disability in the world. This view
was reinforced by major research led by the WHO and published in 2007 in
which the burden of depression was compared with that of chronic illnesses
including angina, arthritis, asthma and diabetes. In this research nearly a
quarter of a million people in 60 countries were studied; after allowing for
socioeconomic factors and other health conditions, depression had the largest
effect on worsening health, and people with depression in addition to another
chronic illness had the worst health measures of all disease states.
One in every 10 Filipinos between 15 and 24 years old admitted to being
depressed in a survey conducted by the University of the Philippines
Population Institute and the Demographic Research and Development
Foundation. But only 1 in every 3 depressives seeks help, according to the
Department of Health. The rest either bear the symptoms in silence too
embarrassed to seek help or continue to suffer from depression without
knowing it.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical
illness that negatively affects how you feel the way you think and how you
act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness
and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms must last at
least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.
Adults commonly tell young people that the teenage years are the "best years
of your life." Life for many young people is a painful tug of war filled with
mixed messages and conflicting demands from parents, teachers, coaches,
employers, friends and oneself. It creates stress, and it can create serious
depression for young people ill-equipped to cope, communicate and solve
problems.
. In older children and teenagers, depression often manifests as chronic anger,
irritability and often isolating oneself, which parents of teenagers tend to
dismiss as part of the teenager’s life , sudden changes in behavior or mood,
isolating oneself, not contacting friends, refusing to go to school are
non-specific signs of depression in teenagers. It’s not always just sadness.
These are some of the early warning signs that parents need to look out for.
Some other indicators of a restless or sadness within could be the quality of
creative work that is produced, such as dark or disturbing art work, the type of
music that the young person listens to, or the images or words that they use in
their writing. Often a sense of worthlessness or helplessness is a theme in the
writings of depressed young people. Of course, depression affects each
person differently, and it’s up to that person to respond accordingly. We
always look for answers to questions, and, sometimes the silence is defeating.
While the rate of youth suicide in the country was relatively low compared to
neighboring countries in the region, the bad news is that the suicide rates in
the country have been on the rise.

Evidence 1
In India, the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 reveals that nearly 15%
Indian adults need active intervention for one or more mental health issues
and one in 20 Indians suffers from depression. It is estimated that in 2012,
India had over 258,000 suicides, with the age-group of 15-49 years being
most affected.
“I think the saddest people always try to make people happy because
they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t
want anyone else to feel like that.”— Robin Williams, US actor
Mental health is one of the most important issues that need to be addressed.
There seems to be a prevalent epidemic of depression. People only whispered
about or suppressed the problem. Now it is openly discussed.
“Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s
emotions, thinking and behavior,” Dr. Ma.
Teresa Gustilo-Villasor explained in her recent lecture. “Major
depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression.”

The individual feels miserable, lonely, let down. Unfortunately, it has

claimed many lives — both young and middle-aged.
“If you know someone who is depressed, please resolve never to ask them
why…Depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the
blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they are going
through…. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who is depressed, but it is
one of the kindest noblest and best things you will ever do.” — Stephen
Fry
A study shows that the highest percentage of depression affects teenagers and
young adults aged 16 to 29. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among the
population age brackets 15 to 14; 55 to 70.In 2014, depression was the
predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls.

Evidence 2