The reality of depression among youth
DEPRESSION is a major condition which affects all levels of society and has been known to linger in the brain, triggered by stressful life changing events or the simplest of viral infections.
Nothing is as more evident as the fact that the youth of today are growing up fast and with that the gap between childhood and being an adult is slowly being bridged.
This is seen through the issues the youth face and the situations they find themselves in. Whether it is a stressful environment at home or judgement by peers, even the down played and lightly took first meaningful break-up.
The misconception of depression being a condition which is only experienced by adults, is a dangerous one, and needs to be spoken about to clarify the severity of this real and current illness.
There is evidence that the prevalence of depression is increasing in the 15 to 19-year-old age group. Brought on by different issues during their, supposed to be, tender years, youth tend to deal with depression differently, some turning to drug addiction, alcoholism and even more tragically suicide.
These options come with the feeling of ‘defeat’ and the absence of avenues to vent or talk about the issues which have lead to depression; this instance leaves the depressed closing up and thinking they can deal with the disorder themselves.
Symptoms of depression vary from patient to patient but all start with a shift in the persons ‘normal’ mood and behaviour, then developing to more serious spouts of irritability, inability to concentrate, tiredness and lack of energy.
If noticed these symptoms should be addressed whether it be by a friend or parent as they can escalate with time and even end up causing physical illness.
Management of depression is a subject which parents, who sense its presence in their children, don’t see eye to eye with in most cases, as some view depression as a stage and others feel it should be aggressively treated clinically.
Depression can be treated through two commonly known forms of therapy, namely the most popular form being psychotherapy; this type of therapy sees interaction between a trained professional and the troubled youth.
This practice garners results through discussion and finding the core cause of the depression, then discussing ways to overcome it.
Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of the disorder through the administration of drugs, such as antidepressants which is the mainstay of managing depression.
Depression is a disorder which can be recurrent and if not thoroughly treated or dealt with and can even change a person forever. So its awareness should be taught and highlighted to youth and parents alike so that its life changing presence doesn’t affect the fragile promising future of the young.
Useful numbers:
Depression and Anxiety Support Group: 011 783 1474/6
Toll Free Help Line 0860 567 567.
For more information on depression, visit www.depnet.co.za
