HEALTHY LIVING: Teen depression is serious but treatable
Published 1:08 pm, Thursday, June 9, 2011
While a bad day or a difficult experience here and there are normal parts of life, clinical depression is different—and serious. Because parents of teenagers have been out of those teenage years themselves for many years, it may be difficult to recognize the difference in a bad day an in clinical depression, says Dr. Marcela Nur. Dr. Nur, part of the Premier Physicians net¬work, is a specialist in ado¬lescent medicine.
That means she specializes in teenagers.
Dr. Nur, using a list from www.helpguide.org, reports some of the top symptoms of teen depression:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation.
Dr. Nur notes that teen depression is different from adult depression.
“Depressed adults may withdraw from everyone. Teens tend to draw back only partly, or they may change whom they associate with.” Teens with depression may also begin to engage in dangerous behavior.
Depression can lead to problems at school, either behavioral, academic or both; eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and others; running away; internet addiction or self injury.
If the teen progresses to self-injury or begins giving away prized possessions or focusing on death or hopelessness, the condition may have progressed to thoughts of suicide. .” The Centers for Disease Control reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24.
“This is not always where depression leads,” says Dr. Nur, “but it certainly can. As with any issue, the sooner parents recognize and deal with it, the easier the treatment will be.”
For mild cases of depression, Dr. Nur may be able to offer help. If she deems the case moderate to severe she will make a referral.
“There are many treatments available,” she assures parents. Depression is very treatable, especially, as stated previously, when symptoms are recognized and treatment is begun early on.
Parents can offer support first of all by listening to their teen. It is important first to hear what he or she is saying. Even if the cause of the depression seems irrational, it is real to the teen, so, Dr. Nur points out, parents should not belittle the thoughts nor should they try to talk the teen out of their depression.
It is also possible that your teen will deny anything is wrong—but if you have seen the warning signs, it is wise to trust your instincts and get a second some outside help.
Dr. Nur enjoys working with teens and helping them deal with the issues that confront them. She also treats colds and other typical conditions treated by most physicians.
Please do not delay seeking help if your teenager shows signs of depression.
Marcela Nur, M. D., spe¬cializes in adolescent medi¬cine. Her office is located at 4801 North Midland Drive, Ste B, just north of WalMart. The phone number is 686-0937.