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Overview

Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings - they're a symptom of depression.

Teen depression isn't a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower - it can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counseling.

Symptoms

Teen depression signs and symptoms include a change from the teenager's previous attitude and behavior that can cause significant distress and problems at school or home, in social activities, or in other areas of life.

Depression symptoms can vary in severity, but changes in your teen's emotions and behavior may include the examples below.

Emotional changes

Be alert for emotional changes, such as:

Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason

Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters

Feeling hopeless or empty

Irritable or annoyed mood

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends

Low self-esteem

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism

Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak

Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Behavioral changes

Watch for changes in behavior, such as:

Tiredness and loss of energy

Insomnia or sleeping too much

Changes in appetite - decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain

Use of alcohol or drugs

Agitation or restlessness - for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse

Social isolation

Poor school performance or frequent absences from school

Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance

Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors

Self-harm - for example, cutting or burning

Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt

What's normal and what's not

It can be difficult to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just part of being a teenager and teen depression. Talk with your teen. Try to determine whether he or she seems capable of managing challenging feelings, or if life seems overwhelming.

When to see a doctor

If depression signs and symptoms continue, begin to interfere in your teen's life, or cause you to have concerns about suicide or your teen's safety, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional trained to work with adolescents. Your teen's family doctor or pediatrician is a good place to start. Or your teen's school may recommend someone.

Depression symptoms likely won't get better on their own - and they may get worse or lead to other problems if untreated. Depressed teenagers may be at risk of suicide, even if signs and symptoms don't appear to be severe.

If you're a teen and you think you may be depressed - or you have a friend who may be depressed - don't wait to get help. Talk to a health care provider such as your doctor or school nurse. Share your concerns with a parent, a close friend, a spiritual leader, a teacher or someone else you trust.

Symptoms

Suicide is often associated with depression. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

Call your mental health professional.

Contact a suicide hotline.

In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. The Spanish language phone line is 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). Services are free and confidential.

Or contact a crisis service for teenagers in the U.S. called TXT 4 HELP: Text the word "safe" and your current location to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help, with the option for interactive texting.

Seek help from your primary care doctor or other health care provider.

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If a loved one or friend is in danger of attempting suicide or has made an attempt:

Make sure someone stays with that person.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Never ignore comments or concerns about suicide. Always take action to get help.

Causes

It's not known exactly what causes depression, but a variety of issues may be involved. These include:

Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When these chemicals are abnormal or impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems changes, leading to depression.

Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.

Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives - such as a parent or grandparent - also have the condition.

Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that increase the risk of depression.

Learned patterns of negative thinking. Teen depression may be linked to learning to feel helpless - rather than learning to feel capable of finding solutions for life's challenges.

Risk factors

Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teen depression, including:

Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems

Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse

Having other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, anorexia or bulimia

Having a learning disability or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Having ongoing pain or a chronic physical illness such as cancer, diabetes or asthma

Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic

Abusing alcohol, nicotine or other drugs

Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in an unsupportive environment

Family history and issues with family or others may also increase your teenager's risk of depression, such as:

Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder or alcohol use problems

Having a family member who died by suicide

Having a family with major communication and relationship problems

Having experienced recent stressful life events, such as parental divorce, parental military service or the death of a loved one

Complications

Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your teenager's life. Complications related to teen depression may include, for example:

Alcohol and drug misuse

Academic problems

Family conflicts and relationship difficulties

Suicide attempts or suicide

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help. Encourage your teenager to:

Take steps to control stress, increase resilience and boost self-esteem to help handle issues when they arise

Practice self-care, for example by creating a healthy sleep routine and using electronics responsibly and in moderation

Reach out for friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis

Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening

Maintain ongoing treatment, if recommended, even after symptoms let up, to help prevent a relapse of depression symptoms

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This serious mental health problem affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

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depression
No matter how despondent life seems right now, there are many things you can do to start feeling better today. Use these tools to help yourself or a friend.

What is teen depression?

The teenage years can be really tough and it's perfectly normal to feel sad or irritable every now and then. But if these feelings don't go away or become so intense that you feel overwhelmingly hopeless and helpless, you may be suffering from depression.

Teen depression is much more than feeling temporarily sad or down in the dumps. It's a serious and debilitating mood disorder that can change the way you think, feel, and function in your daily life, causing problems at home, school, and in your social life. When you're depressed, you may feel hopeless and isolated and it can seem like no one understands. But depression is far more common in teens than you may think. The increased academic pressures, social challenges, and hormonal changes of the teenage years mean that about one in five of us suffer with depression in our teens. You're not alone and your depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

Even though it can feel like the black cloud of depression will never lift, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself deal with symptoms, regain your balance and feel more positive, energetic, and hopeful again.

If you're a parent or guardian worried about your child...

While it isn't always easy to differentiate from normal teenage growing pains, teen depression is a serious health problem that goes beyond moodiness. As a parent, your love, guidance, and support can go a long way toward helping your teen overcome depression and get their life back on track. Read Parent's Guide to Teen Depression.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

It can be hard to put into words exactly how depression feels-and we don't all experience it the same way. For some teens, depression is characterized by feelings of bleakness and despair. For others, it's a persistent anger or agitation, or simply an overwhelming sense of "emptiness." However depression affects you, though, there are some common symptoms that you may experience:

You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry.

Nothing seems fun anymore-even the activities you used to love-and you just don't see the point of forcing yourself to do them.

You feel bad about yourself-worthless, guilty, or just "wrong" in some way.

You sleep too much or not enough.

You've turned to alcohol or drugs to try to change the way you feel.

You have frequent, unexplained headaches or other physical pains or problems.

Anything and everything makes you cry.

You're extremely sensitive to criticism.

You've gained or lost weight without consciously trying to.

You're having trouble concentrating, thinking straight, or remembering things. Your grades may be plummeting because of it.

You feel helpless and hopeless.

You're thinking about death or suicide. (If so, talk to someone right away!)

Coping with suicidal thoughts

If your negative feelings caused by depression become so overwhelming that you can't see any solution besides harming yourself or others, you need to get help right away. Asking for help when you're in the midst of such strong emotions can be really difficult, but it's vital you reach out to someone you trust-a friend, family member, or teacher, for example. If you don't feel that you have anyone to talk to, or think that talking to a stranger might be easier, call a suicide helpline. You'll be able to speak in confidence to someone who understands what you're going through and can help you deal with your feelings.

Whatever your situation, it takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink. You can use that courage to help you keep going and overcome depression.

There is ALWAYS another solution, even if you can't see it right now. Many people who have survived a suicide attempt say that they did it because they mistakenly felt there was no other solution to a problem they were experiencing. At the time, they couldn't see another way out, but in truth, they didn't really want to die. Remember that no matter how badly you feel, these emotions will pass.

Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person. Depression can make you think and feel things that are out of character. No one should judge you or condemn you for these feelings if you are brave enough to talk about them.

If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action. This can give you time to really think things through and give yourself some distance from the strong emotions that are plaguing you. During this 24-hour period, try to talk to someone-anyone-as long as they are not another suicidal or depressed person. Call a hotline or talk to a friend. What do you have to lose?

If you're afraid you can't control yourself, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can't verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members, or go to a movie-anything to keep from being by yourself and in danger.

If you're thinking about suicide...

Please read Are You Feeling Suicidal? or call a helpline:

In the U.S.: 1-800-273-8255

UK: 116 123

Australia: 13 11 14

To find a helpline in other countries, visit IASP or Suicide.org.

Remember, suicide is a "permanent solution to a temporary problem." Please take that first step and reach out now.

Why am I depressed?

Despite what you may have been told, depression is not simply caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be cured with medication. Rather, depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Since the teenage years can be a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, you're likely facing a host of pressures that could contribute to your depression symptoms. These can range from hormonal changes to problems at home or school or questions about who you are and where you fit in.

As a teen, you're more likely to suffer from depression if you have a family history of depression or have experienced early childhood trauma, such as the loss of a parent or physical or emotional abuse.

Risk factors for teen depression

Risk factors that can trigger or exacerbate depression in teens include:

1. Serious illness, chronic pain, or physical disability.

2. Having other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, an eating disorder, learning disorder, or ADHD.

3. Alcohol or drug abuse.

4. Academic or family problems.

5. Trauma from violence or abuse.

6. Recent stressful life experiences, such as parental divorce or the death of a loved one.

7. Coping with your sexual identity in an unsupportive environment.

8. Loneliness and lack of social support.

9. Spending too much time on social media.

If you're being bullied...

The stress of bullying-whether it's online, at school, or elsewhere-is very difficult to live with. It can make you feel helpless, hopeless, and ashamed: the perfect recipe for depression.

If you're being bullied, know that it's not your fault. No matter what a bully says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel. Bullying is abuse and you don't have to put up with it. You deserve to feel safe, but you'll most likely need help. Find support from friends who don't bully and turn to an adult you trust-whether it's a parent, teacher, counselor, pastor, coach, or the parent of a friend.

Whatever the causes of your depression, the following tips can help you overcome your symptoms, change how you feel, and regain your sense of hope and enthusiasm.

Overcoming teen depression tip 1: Talk to an adult you trust

Depression is not your fault, and you didn't do anything to cause it. However, you do have some control over feeling better. The first step is to ask for help.

Talking to someone about depression

It may seem like there's no way your parents will be able to help, especially if they are always nagging you or getting angry about your behavior. The truth is, parents hate to see their kids hurting. They may feel frustrated because they don't understand what is going on with you or know how to help.

If your parents are abusive in any way, or if they have problems of their own that makes it difficult for them to take care of you, find another adult you trust (such as a relative, teacher, counselor, or coach). This person can either help you approach your parents, or direct you toward the support you need.

If you truly don't have anyone you can talk to, there are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help.

No matter what, talk to someone, especially if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do, and the first step on your way to feeling better.

The importance of accepting and sharing your feelings

It can be hard to open up about how you're feeling-especially when you're feeling depressed, ashamed, or worthless. It's important to remember that many people struggle with feelings like these at one time or another-it doesn't mean that you're weak, fundamentally flawed, or no good. Accepting your feelings and opening up about them with someone you trust will help you feel less alone.

Even though it may not feel like it at the moment, people do love and care about you. If you can muster the courage to talk about your depression, it can-and will-be resolved. Some people think that talking about sad feelings will make them worse, but the opposite is almost always true. It is very helpful to share your worries with someone who will listen and care about what you say. They don't need to be able to "fix" you; they just need to be good listeners.

Tip 2: Try not to isolate yourself-it makes depression worse

Depression causes many of us to withdraw into our shells. You may not feel like seeing anybody or doing anything and some days just getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult. But isolating yourself only makes depression worse. So even if it's the last thing you want to do, try to force yourself to stay social. As you get out into the world and connect with others, you'll likely find yourself starting to feel better.

Spend time face-to-face with friends who make you feel good -especially those who are active, upbeat, and understanding. Avoid hanging out with those who abuse drugs or alcohol, get you into trouble, or make you feel judged or insecure.

Get involved in activities you enjoy (or used to). Getting involved in extracurricular activities seem like a daunting prospect when you're depressed, but you'll feel better if you do. Choose something you've enjoyed in the past, whether it be a sport, an art, dance or music class, or an after-school club. You might not feel motivated at first, but as you start to participate again, your mood and enthusiasm will begin to lift.

Volunteer. Doing things for others is a powerful antidepressant and happiness booster. Volunteering for a cause you believe in can help you feel reconnected to others and the world, and give you the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference.

Cut back on your social media use. While it may seem that losing yourself online will temporarily ease depression symptoms, it can actually make you feel even worse. Comparing yourself unfavorably with your peers on social media, for example, only promotes feelings of depression and isolation. Remember: people always exaggerate the positive aspects of their lives online, brushing over the doubts and disappointments that we all experience. And even if you're just interacting with friends online, it's no replacement for in-person contact. Eye-to-eye contact, a hug, or even a simple touch on the arm from a friend can make all the difference to how you're feeling.

Tip 3: Adopt healthy habits

Making healthy lifestyle choices can do wonders for your mood. Things like eating right, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep have been shown to make a huge difference when it comes to depression.

Get moving! Ever heard of a "runner's high"? You actually get a rush of endorphins from exercising, which makes you feel instantly happier. Physical activity can be as effective as medications or therapy for depression, so get involved in sports, ride your bike, or take a dance class. Any activity helps! If you're not feeling up to much, start with a short daily walk, and build from there.

Be smart about what you eat. An unhealthy diet can make you feel sluggish and tired, which worsens depression symptoms. Junk food, refined carbs, and sugary snacks are the worst culprits! They may give you a quick boost, but they'll leave you feeling worse in the long run. Make sure you're feeding your mind with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Talk to your parents, doctor, or school nurse about how to ensure your diet is adequately nutritious.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. You may be tempted to drink or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a "mood boost," even if just for a short time. However, as well as causing depression in the first place, substance use will only make depression worse in the long run. Alcohol and drug use can also increase suicidal feelings. If you're addicted to alcohol or drugs, seek help. You will need special treatment for your substance problem on top of whatever treatment you're receiving for your depression.

Aim for eight hours of sleep each night. Feeling depressed as a teenager typically disrupts your sleep. Whether you're sleeping too little or too much, your mood will suffer. But you can get on a better sleep schedule by adopting healthy sleep habits.

Tip 4: Manage stress and anxiety

For many teens, stress and anxiety can go hand-in-hand with depression. Unrelenting stress, doubts, or fears can sap your emotional energy, affect your physical health, send your anxiety levels soaring, and trigger or exacerbate depression.

If you're suffering from an anxiety disorder, it can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Perhaps you endure intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, get panicky at the thought of speaking in class, experience uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts, or live in a constant state of worry. Since anxiety makes depression worse (and vice versa), it's important to get help for both conditions.

Tips for managing stress

Managing the stress in your life starts with identifying the sources of that stress:

1. If exams or classes seem overwhelming, for example, talk to a teacher or school counselor, or find ways of improving how you manage your time.

2. If you have a health concern you feel you can't talk to your parents about-such as a pregnancy scare or drug problem-seek medical attention at a clinic or see a doctor. A health professional can guide you towards appropriate treatment (and help you approach your parents if that's necessary).

3. If you're struggling to fit in or dealing with relationship, friendship, or family difficulties, talk your problems over with your school counselor or a professional therapist. Exercise, meditation, muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises are other good ways to cope with stress.

4. If your own negative thoughts and chronic worrying are contributing to your everyday stress levels, you can take steps to break the habit and regain control of your worrying mind.

How to help a depressed teen friend

If you're a teenager with a friend who seems down or troubled, you may suspect depression. But how do you know it's not just a passing phase or a bad mood? Look for common warning signs of teen depression:

Your friend doesn't want to do the things you guys used to love to do.

Your friend starts using alcohol or drugs or hanging with a bad crowd.

Your friend stops going to classes and after-school activities.

Your friend talks about being bad, ugly, stupid, or worthless.

Your friend starts talking about death or suicide.

Teens typically rely on their friends more than their parents or other adults, so you may find yourself in the position of being the first-or only-person that your depressed friend confides in. While this might seem like a huge responsibility, there are many things you can do to help:

Get your friend to talk to you. Starting a conversation about depression can be daunting, but you can say something simple: "You seem like you are really down, and not yourself. I really want to help you. Is there anything I can do?"

You don't need to have the answers. Your friend just needs someone to listen and be supportive. By listening and responding in a non-judgmental and reassuring manner, you are helping in a major way.

Encourage your friend to get help. Urge your depressed friend to talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor. It might be scary for your friend to admit to an authority figure that they have a problem. Having you there might help, so offer to go along for support.

Stick with your friend through the hard times. Depression can make people do and say things that are hurtful or strange. But your friend is going through a very difficult time, so try not to take it personally. Once your friend gets help, they will go back to being the person you know and love. In the meantime, make sure you have other friends or family taking care of you. Your feelings are important and need to be respected, too.

Speak up if your friend is suicidal. If your friend is joking or talking about suicide, giving possessions away, or saying goodbye, tell a trusted adult immediately. Your only responsibility at this point is to get your friend help, and get it fast. Even if you promised not to tell, your friend needs your help. It's better to have a friend who is temporarily angry at you than one who is no longer alive.

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Dealing with Teen Depression - HelpGuide.org

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depression The teenage years can be really tough and it's perfectly normal to feel sad or irritable every now and then. But if these feelings don't go away or become so intense that you feel overwhelmingly hopeless and helpless, you may be suffering from depression.

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Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.-47.6 million people-experiences mental illness in a given year. Further, 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 years old have experienced a mental health disorder. Considering these startling numbers, it's vital to open the dialogue on mental illness and educate yourself on it, as it's likely that you or your teen have/will experience a mental illness during either of your lifetimes. Understanding the degrees of adult and teenage mental illness helps to alleviate stigma and increase awareness of how you and your teen can both keep healthy.

If you're looking for resources that can help educate you and your teen on mental health, Netflix has several mental health documentaries that discuss issues from a variety of perspectives. Sometimes watching the personal stories of different characters struggling with mental health on screen allows for greater understanding and empathy for the struggles of people suffering from mental health issues. More so than a textbook could ever teach. Here are Teen Rehab's top picks for movies about mental illness on Netflix to consider watching with your family.

Movies about Mental Illness on Netflix

1. The Anonymous People

This mental health documentary follows the story of people from all walks of life who come clean with their own stories about the shame and secrecy of recovery from addictions to alcohol and drugs. This mental health movie is about the over 23.5 million Americans living in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction and their struggle fighting the social stigma toward mental health and addiction. The Anonymous People is told from the perspective of a range of people and occupations: everyday citizens, leaders, volunteers, corporate executives, public figures, and celebrities who want to help save the lives of others just like them. This mental health documentary is a great way to initiate a dialogue about understanding addiction, addiction stigma, and the journey to recovery.

2. Of Two Minds

Of Two Minds is a mental health movie that weaves together the stories of several Americans living with bipolar disorder and explores their triumphant highs and despairing lows. Of Two Minds follows four people who have bipolar disorder over the period of three years. The film also touches upon the topic of medication for bipolar disorder; in the movie, two of the subjects are taking medication, and two are not. This mental health documentary opens the door for people to have important conversations with family members and friends who have bipolar disorder, as well as for society to have conversations about this topic that affects much of the US teen and adult population.

3. Neurons to Nirvana

Neurons to Nirvana is one of the more controversial movies about mental illness on Netflix. The film explores the history of four powerful psychedelic substances ( LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA and Ayahuasca) and their previously established medicinal potential to treat a wide variety of ailments, from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to cancer. This mental health documentary features interviews with some of the world's foremost researchers, writers, and pioneers in the growing field of psychedelic psychotherapy, such as Gabor Mate, Rick Doblin, Dennis McKenna, and ‎Michael C. Mithoefer.

4. OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger's Movie

OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger's Movie, is a mental health movie by Bud Clayman that tells of his own 30-year struggle to overcome his mental health illnesses and fulfill his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Clayman directed this documentary along with Scott Johnston, a mental health professional who worked at Project Transition, a treatment facility in suburban Philadelphia where Clayman lived from 1992 to 2000. In an article by The LA Times, Clayman states, "[Johnston] got me on the idea of recovery and we started working on the script and thought about situations that would bring out behavior in me." The film features Clayman throughout two years as he attempts to conquer everyday fears such as riding a bus or walking down the street. Clayman confesses that his obsessive compulsive disorder has harmed his relationships with others and affected his ability to become a filmmaker. The mental health documentary depicts how therapy has helped Clayman overcome his struggles and enter a path of recovery after many years of serious mental health illnesses.

5. The Social Dilemma

This mental health documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social media platforms, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations. It explores the harmful mental health effects of spending endless hours on social media, particularly on teenagers who are still developing in puberty and forming their own identities. The Social Dilemma oscillates between scripted scenes showing the negative effects social media has on the average American family and real-life interviews with current and former Silicon Valley executives on the various pitfalls of social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

If after watching these movies about mental illness on Netflix, you or your family has any questions or concerns about treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, please reach out to Teen Rehab. One of our mental health or addiction specialists can then contact you with my information regarding treatment options.

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5 Movies About Mental Illness on Netflix

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Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.-47.6 million people-experiences mental illness in a given year. Further, 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 years old have experienced a mental health disorder. Considering these startling numbers, it's vital to open the dialogue on mental illness and educate yourself on it, as it's likely that you or your teen have/will experience a mental illness during either of your lifetimes.

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The dilemma

Never before have a handful of tech designers had such control over the way billions of us think, act, and live our lives.

The Mental Health Dilemma

A 5,000 person study found that higher social media use correlated with self-reported declines in mental and physical health and life satisfaction.

- American Journal of Epidemiology, 2017

The Democracy Dilemma

The # of countries with political disinformation campaigns on social media doubled in the past 2 years.

- New York Times, 2019

The Discrimination Dilemma

64% of the people who joined extremist groups on Facebook did so because the algorithms steered them there.

- Internal Facebook report, 2018

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The Social Dilemma - A Netflix Original documentary

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We tweet, we like, and we share- but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? Discover what's hiding on the other side of your screen in this new documentary film Netflix - The Social Dilemma.

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ISBN 13: 978-1-642-82105-5

Bibliography Index/Note: Includes bibliographical references and index.

As social media and other internet platforms develop and connect users in increasingly unique ways, the opportunities for cyberbullying to occur on those platforms develop as well. The demographics for cyberbullying are diverse too, including everyone from young teens to celebrities who are more used to public scrutiny. In this collection of articles, readers will discover how news coverage of cyberbullying has evolved, and how law enforcement, app developers, and even advertisers are involved in combatting this serious and sometimes deadly trend. Media literacy terms and questions will enhance readers' connection to the text.

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Cyberbullying: A Deadly Trend - Perma-Bound Books

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ISBN 13: 978-1-642-82105-5 Bibliography Index/Note: Includes bibliographical references and index. As social media and other internet platforms develop and connect users in increasingly unique ways, the opportunities for cyberbullying to occur on those platforms develop as well. The demographics for cyberbullying are diverse too, including everyone from young teens to celebrities who are more used to public scrutiny.

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whats driving the rise in teen depression

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whats driving the rise in teen depression

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Symptoms of adolescent depression frequently differ from symptoms in adults. For example, youth may experience more irritability and moodiness, sleep at odd times of the day and isolate themselves from adults, particularly family members, but still long to be with peers. Adults, however, may experience insomnia, intense bouts of sadness and isolate themselves from both friends and family.

In addition to varying with age, symptoms also differ by gender. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, girls report feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, punishment, tiredness and low energy, whereas boys report more irritability, depression and suicidal thoughts. With all of this symptomatic variation and conflicting information, it's easy to miss the warning signs and chalk up adolescent depression to "typical" teen behavior.

Consequently, many depressed kids don't get the help they need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only 20 percent of youth suffering from a mental health disorder, like depression, receive treatment for their condition. This means 80 percent, or about 12 million youth, are undertreated or not treated at all, and that's a major concern, especially as adolescent depression is on the rise.

A study published this month in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology finds that over the past decade the number of youth with mental health disorders has more than doubled. This particular study examined data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which has collected data on drug and alcohol use and mental health issues in America since 1971. Survey responses from more than 200,000 youth ages 12 to 17 between 2005 to 2017 and approximately 400,000 adults between 2008 to 2017 were reviewed, and what researchers discovered was alarming. For youth, major depression increased 52 percent from 2005 to 2017 - from 8.7 percent to13.2 percent, and it rose 63 percent in young adults ages 18 to 25 from 2009 (8.1 percent) to 2017 (13.2 percent).

The numbers highlight the mental health issues facing young people across the nation, and lead to the burning question: What has contributed to the increase in adolescent depression? Over the past decade, researchers have desperately sought to determine this. Unfortunately, there isn't a conclusive answer, but there are about five common themes that have emerged from the data:
1. A modern-day diagnosis.
As an article in Johns Hopkins Health Review explains, adolescent depression is a relatively new diagnosis. Until the 1980s, mental health professionals were reluctant to diagnose youth with a mood disorder in part because the adolescent brain is still developing and they thought it would not be appropriate to diagnose someone so young with depression. Also, professionals believed that teen moodiness was perfectly normal during what is often referred to as the turbulent years.
2. Hyper-connected and overstimulated.
There's no doubt about it, today's teens are hyper-connected. Electronic devices are so intertwined with youth's lives that the real world and virtual world coincide. With over 95 percent of teens having access to a smartphone and 45 percent online "almost constantly," according to a Pew Research Center study, more and more teens are turning to the internet for social support and social comparison.

The recent research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology explained that the spike in depression, distress and suicidal tendencies may be connected to the social media trends among young people. For example, it's not uncommon for youth to measure their self-worth based on the likes and comments they get from others, which is of course an inaccurate measure of one's personal value. It's no surprise that social media has been linked with negative psychological outcomes for youth.

Each generation is influenced and shaped by the history of the time. Today's youth have grown up in the grim shadows of post-9-11. Unfortunately, this generation knows all too well the fear of terrorism. Whether it be a lone shooter or mass terrorist attack, our nation's youth have come to know and live with violence in their lives. From concerts to malls and restaurants to schools, today's youth understand the stark reality that they live in a time where their sense of security can instantly be stripped away by heinous and cowardly attacks of others.
4. Not enough sleep.
Sleep disturbance, described as insomnia or hypersomnia, is one of the primary symptoms of major depressive disorder. Teens are notoriously sleep-deprived, only getting about seven hours of the National Sleep Foundation's recommended 8.5 to 9.25 hours. Time and time again, studies have indicated that youth aren't getting enough sleep, and that can lead to a depressed mood, moodiness and irritability.

During the teen years, youth are undergoing dramatic maturational and physiological changes. Thus, the role of sleep in mental and physical health is extremely important. Good sleep has been associated with better physical, cognitive and psychological well-being. Consequently, poor sleep is related to health problems, and cognitive and psychological impairment.
5. Lack of community.
We live in stressful times. Our modern lifestyles highlight our hectic day-to-day routines, and that spills over into the lives of our children. With the go-go mentality, our community has dwindled, and as a result, our face-to-face connections have decreased.

Our lives are becoming more structured and organized. Before we became a technologically reliant and fast-paced society, our kids engaged in more unstructured play, ate less processed foods and exercised on a daily basis, but those times are fading. Today's kids report that they feel rushed to do things and pressured to be successful.

Youth depression is a concern plaguing our nation, so much so that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that primary caregivers screen adolescents ages 12 to 18 for major depressive disorder. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen. Not only should medical personnel help with identifying teen depression, but the responsibility should fall on all of us. We need to create healthy and trusting relationships with our youth, and in the process revive our community.

Suffering from a mental illness can be a frightening experience, especially if you have to suffer in silence. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective depression treatments available today. If you believe that your child or a loved one is struggling with depression, please seek professional help. Depression is treatable, and the earlier it's treated the more effective the treatment is.

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What's Driving the Rise in Teen Depression?

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Examining the contributing factors that have led to the increase.