Is Teenage Depression a School-Age Fad?
“Is teenage depression just a school-age fad these days? It seems like my granddaughter has everything she could ever want—makeup, movie subscriptions, the iPad, a phone, so many clothes, etc.—but she’s still saying she’s depressed.”
Teenagers also get depressed. It is not a fad. Depression symptoms are sadness or a low mood that does not go away, being irritable or grumpy all the time, feeling tired a lot of the time, and not being interested in things they used to enjoy. Teenagers going through depression also may have trouble sleeping or may sleep more than usual, they may have trouble concentrating, eat less than usual or eat more than usual, spend less time with their friends and family, have thoughts about suicide or self-harm, or actually self-harm.
I know that it is difficult to understand why someone that seems to have everything is depressed, but depression may happen for many different reasons. It may be that your granddaughter has a tendency to get depressed. She may also be experiencing difficult evens, without you knowing. She could have experienced bullying, have problems with friends, or have gone through a bad break up.
It is important that you take her feelings seriously. Try to find what is troubling her. It may not be a big thing to you, but it may feel like something major for her. If she does not want to talk to you, encourage her to talk to other people in her life. I also encourage you to get help early from your doctor or a mental health specialist with expertise in teen mood disorders. The longer it goes on, the more chances that it may become a long-term problem.
You may find this articles useful: What Are your Thoughts on Anxiety Medication for Teens?
I hope this information helps. I wish you and your granddaughter all the very best.
Love,
Ana
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.
Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.
Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.
Again, great writeup!
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ana
Ana
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Ana
