According to an online 2018 World Health Organisation article* “half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age but most cases are undetected and untreated.
Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15 to 19-year-olds. The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.”
What to look out for:
It is known that depression can drastically lower energy levels, change appetite and sleeping patterns. Many depressed adolescents choose to sleep as a means to avoid dealing with painful situations.
Concentration difficulties and a change in academic performance could also be indicators of depression. Adolescents may report not being able to concentrate because their thoughts are occupied by the painful or problematic situation. They are left feeling more overwhelmed and powerless. This may also manifest in restlessness or agitation. Often depressed adolescents may think: ‘What’s the use?’ or ‘What’s the point?’ as they feel negative and hopeless. This also impacts negatively on their self-esteem, as they feel that they are unworthy or underserving, withdrawing from social and parental relationships that are meaningful. Being in this vulnerable state could leave them feeling worthlessness as they become extremely sensitive to criticism. Older adolescents may be more prone to ‘self-medicate’ as an attempt to treat depressive symptoms. This may be done by adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms such as consuming alcohol, using other substances or adopting other addictive and/or self-harming behaviours.
What you can do as a parent:
Be mindful:
It is essential to ‘check in’ with ourselves frequently, noticing and identifying our feelings, both pleasant and unpleasant. By doing so, we avoid being overwhelmed by the intensity of them later on.
Connecting:
Make time daily to connect with your adolescent without distractions and interruptions. Your availability is important as it assists in keeping communication open when it may be most needed.
Validation of feelings:
Adolescents often report feeling more depressed and lonelier because they are misunderstood. This in itself reinforces isolation and further withdrawal from society. It is important to take the time to listen and understand what your adolescent is feeling. Supporting your adolescent does not mean you have to fix the problem, but rather that you notice and understand the pain and sadness they are experiencing.
Encourage contribution: Volunteering is a powerful mechanism to challenge depressive thoughts. Contributing to society creates purpose and meaning in day to day activities and can also assist in boosting self-esteem. As a parent, you could join them, creating an opportunity to improve your relationship and communication.
*www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health.
Source: Akeso Behavioural Healthcare Group