Tahsin Rahman Oshin
In recent years, teenage depression has become an alarming fact that is rising more than ever before. Even twenty years ago, it was not a familiar case and such cases would go unnoticed. However, recent research shows that childhood and teen depression is a reality and it is not just the bad mood and the occasional melancholy, rather a serious issue that affects every aspects of a teen’s life.
There are many misapprehensions about teen depressions along with the common misconceptions about teenagers. Occasional mood swings are expected from normal teenagers. On the other hand, depression is something entirely different and hence it is usually difficult to differentiate from teenage moodiness. Overwhelming senses of depression such as sadness, despair or anger can destroy the essence of a teenager’s personality. Though incidences of teenage depression are frequent nowadays, only one in five depressed teenagers receives help, experts say.
Teenagers have to face a lot pressure during their puberty changes as they slowly start getting the grasp of life. They are inquisitive and have multifarious questions about everything. The natural transition from child to a young adult also causes parental conflicts as the youngsters start to assert their own independence and voice. But the symptoms of teenage depression are not easy to perceive: the sentiments are not always typically sadness or withdrawal from others. Rage, irritability, hostility are recurrent as well. Some of the other signs are: hopelessness, frequent crying, restlessness and agitation, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of energy and motivation, problems at school, internet addiction, running away, drug or alcohol abuse, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and last but not the least, thoughts of self-harm or suicides.
Having a close friend, Anika, experience teenage depression, I am familiar with the possible dangerous consequences one teen might come across while going through ‘the phase’. She showed similar indications and said things like, ‘I’d be better off dead.’ or ‘There’s no way out’. These, I repeat, are not to be overlooked. Though Anika’s case was more serious than mine, with proper treatment she was able to come out as strong with a thriving personality. It was amazing indeed to watch her grow so much with time. So thankfully, like all other illnesses, there is a way out for the teens to get better and healthy. The most effective way is direct interaction. Offering support and being gentle with them, with an ear to listen and a mind to understand, have showed great outcomes. Parents and adults need to be persistently considerate and respectful of their child’s comfort level without shutting them out at first. They should avoid unsolicited advice or pass any lectures, criticism or ultimatum. Even if the teenager’s depression seems irrational or silly, parents should avoid trying to talk the teen out of his or her depression. Their feelings should be given importance and their pain or sadness acknowledged.
If none works, then medication shouldn’t be relied on alone. Parents or adults should consult with a depression specialist that the child feels comfortable with. There is no one treatment or specialist, so several options should be kept open. And above all, have patience. Good things come to those who wait, and even better things come to those who go through hardships. They are the ones who are molded to be unique with their own individuality.
Tahsin Rahman Oshin is a feature writer at the Daily Our Time who has a passion for performing arts and fashion. She is a high school graduate, loves cats and plans to establish an animal shelter in future.