3 Reasons Why Teens Are Depressed

 Teenage sadness and depression rates have been climbing since 2020. Parents are asking this question, “Why is my teen depressed?” 

 

There can be many reasons for your teen to be feeling sad or depressed. While no one can explain exactly why, many experts say teens and young adults today probably face more pressures at home or school, worry about financial issues for their families, and use more alcohol and drugs.

 

This is in addition to keeping up with their digital life.

 

3 Common Reasons for Teenage Depression:

 

Addressing depression is crucial for your teenager’s mental health and wellness. Understanding some of the common reasons for depression can help you help your child. It does not replace getting professional help.

 

1. Bullying.  Never underestimate the power of words and the long-lasting effect if has on your child. Generations earlier have failed to realize the emotional damage and consequences that hurtful and harmful words have on young people — the old cliché that sticks and stones will break your bones, but words could never hurt is now history. Words hurt and can leave a trail of emotional scars for years if not addressed.

 

Teens that are bullied by other students at school are more likely to develop depression. Some of the common signs include appetite changes, trouble sleeping, emotional disturbances, and possibly thoughts of suicide. You may notice they start isolating themselves from friends and even family events. They lose interest in their favorite activities and possibly drop out of their sports or other extra-curriculum that they once enjoyed.

 

2. Social Media.  Although social media has many positive attributes, it also has been blamed for the increase of depression for all ages. Many teens are seeking gratification and approval through their social media platforms, basing their self-worth on how many “likes” or followers they garnish through their posts. Teenagers who search for acceptance on social media are more likely to succumb to those that are not always going to agree with them. Another words, they are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and online hate.

 

There is a vast amount of research which concurs that teens that are victims of online bullying and harassment has consistently led to higher levels of depression and anxiety.  In addition, one study found that 93% of the teens that were victimized felt sadness, hopelessness, powerlessness and loneliness. Another study explored the impact of teen social media use and found that those who used social media both more overall and at night had higher levels of depression and poorer sleep.

 

3. Academic Pressure. Teens are feeling stressed to perform well in school or in some situations they experience pressure to play sports or other extracurricular activities they may not be motivated to participate in.  Students feeling academic stress are over 2 times higher risk of experiencing depression compared to those that don’t feel overwhelmed with school.

 

As colleges have become more competitive and costly, students and parents have concerns about how they will meet the higher education demands.

 

In conclusion:

 

A mental health professional can help with teen issues and it is best to start as soon as possible. Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling.

 

Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, parents should seek professional advice from a therapist on how to handle this situation. It might be time to consider a therapeutic boarding school.

 

Read: How To Interview Therapeutic Schools.

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Read: Are Therapeutic Boarding Schools Effective?

###

Are you struggling with your depressed teenager and local therapy has not worked? Contact us for a free consultation, since 2001 we have helped parents find the right residential treatment for their teen.

Popular posts from this blog

Teens Starting College: Transition Blues

Image
Mental illness continues to mystify the mainstream, and students already stressed and anxious about classes, relationships, jobs and activities end up suffering from the stigmas just as much as the conditions themselves. But they don’t have to nurture their pain in quiet. More and more individuals (students or not), their loved ones and organizations are speaking up in favor of psychological help in all its forms. The following list represents some of the most common conditions occurring on campuses globally, though by no means should it be considered a comprehensive glimpse at an issue far more broad and complex. Clinical Depression : At least 44% of college students have reported suffering from some degree of clinical depression — and the number only escalates from there as years tick past. Thanks to prevailing social stigmas regarding psychiatric help, only 23% of victims reported that they’d be comfortable discussing their treatment. Considering the amount of s...
Read more

How to Find NATSAP Schools for My Troubled Teen

Image
  Searching for  schools for troubled teens online  can be tedious and confusing. If this is your first time searching for therapeutic boarding schools for your troubled teenager, learning the terminology will be one of your first lessons. 5 Tips to Untangle the Troubled Teen Industry Terminology “ My teen needs a Military school to teach them a lesson!”  WRONG. Military schools  are a privilege and honor to attend, they are not for defiant, drug-using, depressed, or other behavioral issues students. They do   not   provide mental health services – and if your teen is using drugs, drinking, or vaping now – by attending an open campus, it is likely s/he will consider the use again. However, this time when he is caught (typically three strike you are out) and the parents will forfeit their tuition. This is the same for any of the behavioral issues they are asked to leave or expelled for – you will be risking your tuition as well as  setting your ch...
Read more

Teenage Mental Health Options

Image
Teenage mental health is a growing concern, since 2020 studies have revealed that adolescent depression and anxiety has doubled. This is also causing the rise of suicide ideation and   self-harm   as well as youth self-medicating.  Since 2001 we have helped  educate  parents regarding  mental health options   for troubled teens in addition to  therapeutic boarding schools . This is not a decision that is made lightly. Has your teenager’s behavior been  escalating  for  more than a year ? Are they becoming more withdrawn? Depressed or isolated? More common is the following: -Defiance (ADHD, ODD) -Anger, rage -Cell-phone addiction (self-destructs when the phone is removed) -School refusal (skipping classes) -Lacks motivation -Changing peer groups -Substance use (self-medicating) -Self-harm (relieves anxiety) -Change in eating habits -Poor hygiene   Your teenager may be suffering with mental health issues that need to be addressed...
Read more