Adolescence is a time of tremendous change for teenagers. Their bodies, how they are seen by society, and even brain chemistries are undergoing change. Is it a wonder that they find it tough to cope? Parental guidance is crucial during this period. Without it, what may begin as minor cases of rebellion or ‘blues’ may develop into depression and possible substance abuse. It is a known fact amongst researchers that many teens turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate for depression.
We often mistakenly think that if a person suffers from depression, they would appear sad or anxious, but that’s not always the case. Depression may also be reflected in the angry lashing out at loved ones, rebelling over small things. It becomes a case of how to and when to intervene. One simple rule of thumb is if a teen’s behaviour drastically changes during adolescence and your gut sets alarm bells ringing, pay heed. At worst it could be a false alarm, but your child would know you cared enough to reach out. The human brain is still developing well into a person’s early 20s. Most mental illnesses develop during this period of growth. This period is also when the brain is most vulnerable to damage from drug abuse.
Drug abuse and mental disorders like depression and anxiety are commonly found together in teens. Depression can arise from a blend of biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Addiction has similar roots, so it’s unsurprising that the two frequently co-occur.
Some of the common signs of depression include:
- Continuous anxious or “empty” mood
- Irritability
- Feelings of helplessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Body aches and pains
Some of the topics covered in the Insightful Parents’ module on Handling Drugs, Depression and Suicides are:
– How to recognise and handle depression
– How to overcome addictions
– How to help a person with suicidal thoughts/ extreme anxiety
