Teen Depression-Why? What Can Help?

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TEEN DEPRESSION

According to WHO, "depression results from a complex interaction of social psychological and biological factors."  These may include the following. 

Physical factors.  As was true in Julia's case, depression often runs in families, suggesting that genetics can play a role, perhaps affecting chemical activity in the brain.  Other physical risk factors include cardiovascular disease and changing hormone levels, as well as ongoing substance abuse, which may intensity depression, if not give rise to it.

Stress.  While a little stress can be healthy, chronic or excessive stress can be physically and psychologically harmful, sometimes to the point of plunging a susceptible, or biological vulnerable, teen into depression. That said, the exact causes of depression remain unclear and may involve a combination of factors, as mentioned earlier.

Stress-related factors linked to depression may include parental divorce or separation, the death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, a serious accident, illness, or a learning disability-especially if a child feels rejected as a result. A  related factor may be unrealistically high parental  expectations, perhaps in regard to scholastic achievement. Other possible causes are bullying, uncertainty about the future, emotional estrangement by a depressed parent, and parental unpredictability, if depression results, what may help a teen to cope?

Next time: Teen Depression-Why? What Can Help?/CARE FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

From the Awake! magazine