Why afraid to discuss Depression
Talk about mental illness and depression is on the rise. A serious health problem that results in a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. No one care to discuss. It’s a medical condition that affects around one out of ten people at some point in their life’s. The onset is usually during adolescent years.
Talk
Unfortunately Parents are still in the dark. Unaware of signs that their child is struggling. Like this quote explain how your youth maybe feeling. “I can’t eat and I can’t sleep. I’m not doing well in terms of being a functional human, you know?” ― Ned Vizzini
No One Talk about Depression
Experts still debate as to the causes of depression and even more, in many cases teenage depression might go unnoticed for years. According to data from the Harvard Medical School, about 8% of US teens experience symptoms of depression before they reach adulthood.
Talk
Another research suggests that the percentage of teens, who suffer or have suffered from depression at any given time is closer to 15%. The problem is that depression is hard to understand and even more difficult to identify. What separates depression from normal sadness is its duration – it’s a constant emotional state that also comes with various behavioral and social signs. In USA Today Doctor urges more screening for teens by Primary Care Doctors.
No one want to talk
Teen depression remains unnoticed until it’s too late. Adolescents are particularly sensitive to being “different” and might try to hide their symptoms. Refusing to go to a specialist. Fear or embarrassment often, parents and friends are the last to learn. Even after the troubled teen had committed an act of self-harm. Families and friends often mistake teenage depression as signs of normal “grumpy” behavior. Build trust with your kids!
Posted on LinkedIn Pulse
I think now more than ever I’ve seen teen depression covered and talked about. Such an incredibly important topic to shed light upon and while there are many strides to be made, certainly there is more progress now than twenty years ago!
Heather, there are a lot of people helping to bring awareness to the forefront and this is a good thing for teens as well as Parents.
Thank you for this post. It’s true no one talks about it and its such a HUGE problem, huge. It must be talked about because teen depression is a huge thing right now.
Jeanine, a lot of the reason is Parents don’t understand and teens are good at acting as if everything is ok. So sadness is pass of as a phase.
As a high school coach, this is a super helpful article to look for signs and to be aware of any changes in my athletes, thanks for a great post!
Anna, Great teacher, coaches and school official must be aware of signs of depression.
I think it’s tough to talk about for adults and teens. I think we need more awareness about depression in general.
I have two teens and this is a constant worry. You just never know what any teens are thinking.
ThisMomsDelight.com, You are so right we just have to observe and hope for the best.
I agree with you! The stigma of mental illness is something that needs to be talked about more, in our schools and at home.
Norah, I understand the shame behind stigma of mental health but we have to talk about it. Thanks for your support.
It definitely seems like something schools should take into account too. Depression can seriously affect grades and inhibit progress.
I completely agree. Such a great post to spread around. Thanks for sharing!
Agree with everything you said here.
Teen depression must be given more attention. It’s the start of total depression come adult age.
Back when I was in high school, I don’t remember hearing about depression. It is only now that I am seeing a few articles about teen depression. Raising awareness will help a lot. and also getting the schools involved.
Elizabeth, Raising awareness will save a teen life.
Really interesting post. I think it would be useful to teach more about mental illness in schools, so that young people can recognise the signs themselves.
Catherine, I also think they should have books a Guides as a resource for the Teens, Teachers and Parents IN THE SCHOOLS. Thanks for your support.
It is so hard to distinguish between moody and depression. I think it’s important to know the signs.