The teenage years are the most complicated for just about everyone. Teens are learning new social roles, meeting new people and developing relationships. Teenager's bodies are constantly changing. They are making adult choices, decisions, as well as living up to other values, morals, and standards.
In the teenage years, one is looking for answers to problems, but sometimes it seems like no one has the answers. Teens go through social turmoil, such as peer pressure, divorce, family alcoholism, domestic violence, or even sexual abuse. Teens with these problems feel like they have no one to talk to and nowhere to turn. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, and maybe even suicide.
According to Graham Stoney, in Suicide- Frequently asked Questions, there are risk factors that may contribute to a person feeling suicidal: (1) Significant changes in the relationships with family members and peers. Teens are self-conscious of the body image, well-being, financial situations and world environment (2) significant relationship, loss of self-esteem or personal expectations (3) perceived abuse (i.e. physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, social, or even a sense of neglect).
Depression is a common illness among teenagers. Symptoms such as unhappiness, confusion, loneliness, feeling misunderstood, and rebellious behavior may indicate depression. Some surveys have revealed that as many as 20 percent of high school students are deeply.
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Depressed (Griest p. 4.). At least 5 percent of the United States population is suffering from major depression. As many as 10 to 25 percent of all Americans may experience a serious depression at some point in their lives.
Symptoms to look for in a young adult going through depression:.
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy, or motivation.
- Social withdraw or isolation.
- Sadness or hopelessness.
- Confusion or difficulty with decisions.
- Drop in school performance.
- Appetite loss and sleeping often.
