2. 2
Teenage is a very crucial stage in life that requires teenagers to pass through. Many people face
this phase of their positive and healthy life while they experience difficulties and problems.
However, the experience depends on the environment where these teens live, their family,
friends, family, their education, their living conditions, among other factors. Teenagers
experience many difficulties, one of them being depression, a growing problem within
contemporary society. Recent statistics about eating disorders, alcohol addiction, suicide,
pregnancy, and drug problems are alarming. The link to all these crises has been established to
be depression. The period of adolescence is usually a hard one, and the choices that teens make
can leave everlasting scars in their lives.
The description of depression can be done in several ways. The primary definition of depression
is that it is a severe cerebral condition in which an individual suffers extensive durations of
loneliness, sadness among other undesirable feelings (Argyriadis, Tryfonos, Gourni, et al.2019).
Teens are experiencing depression due to varying reasons. At this age, they are at a confusing
time of life where their body changes along with their relationships. At this period, teenagers
struggle to strive for independence from family while still trying to be kids and depend on it. But
currently, the teens are growing in a different world from that of their parents' youthful times.
Today they face stress from many sources, and dealing with this stress is a self-destructive way.
Traumatic events are other stressors of depression. Traumatic events like sexual abuse and the
loss of a parent can mark a lasting impression that can contribute to depression. Depression is
also attributed to biological components where parents can pass it down to their children. Teens
are also more exposed to pessimistic thinking, and this makes them feel helpless instead of
overcoming these challenges, which also leads to the development of depression.
3. 3
Screening for depression is recommended for adolescents of 12 to 18 years in clinical practices
with systems in place to acquire accurate diagnosis, psychotherapy, and follow-up. However, not
enough evidence balances the benefits and disadvantages of depression in young children of 7 to
11. The most used strategy in screening depression is the PHQ-2, which involves using a patient
health questionnaire (Rehman, Mehboob, Aslam, et al. 2018). This strategy asks two questions
about anhedonia and mood. Some of the questions asked include the patient's pleasure in doing
things and whether they experience hopeless feelings. However, the assessment faces some
questions about its validity and reliability of the instrument used. For instance, the patient health
questionnaire has a sensitivity of 75 percent, which indicates that some results may be incorrect.
It is also hard to determine whether the patient tells the truth in their questionnaire as adolescents
can lie due to peer pressure. Establishing the ethical parameter regarding the child-parent talk
can be done by asking how regularly kids talk to their parents about their health and whether
they share their feelings with parents. Also, they can be asked whether they have received any
advice from their parents during the period.
Depression can be damaging if it is left untreated, and it is essential to offer support to the
teenagers who have this disorder. If parents suspect their kids have depression, they should bring
up their concerns in a non-judgmental and loving way (Denizet-Lewis, 2017). They should
open dialogue and set time to talk to their children when they are entirely focused without any
distractions. They should also listen to them and not lecturing them or criticizing their ideas.
They should also make physical health their most significant priority for their children. Regular
exercise is essential for mental health, and therefore getting a teen active can help them
overcome depression. Medications have some side effects, and parents need to explore the best
4. 4
treatment options for their children. Talk therapy is always the best option in treating mild and
moderate cases of depression.
5. 5
References
Argyriadis, A., Tryfonos, A., Gourni, M., Asimakopoulou, E., Sapountzi-Krepia, D., & Agyriadi,
A. (2019). The emergence of depression in teenagers and the role of health
professionals. Health & Research Journal, 5(4), 134-149.
Denizet-Lewis, B. (2017). Why are more American teenagers than ever suffering from severe
anxiety? The New York Times Magazine, 11.
Rehman, A., Mehboob, T., Aslam, R., Yousaf, U., Bashir, I., & Tabassam, N. (2018). Cases and
Causes of Depression among School Going Adolescents in Lahore, Pakistan.
