Modern era: cases of depression in adolescents are increasing

Some of the causes of increasing cases of depression in adolescents

A modern-day diagnosis

Prior to 1980, mental health professionals were hesitant about diagnosing depression in adolescents. This is because it changes mood at adolescence it is still considered normal. So that it allows adolescents who are actually experiencing depression to be handled properly because they are considered to experience natural mood changes.

Today, we mental health professionals, already have clearer criteria for diagnosing depression in adolescents. The development of this science is what makes the incidence rate increase.

Hyper-connected and overstimulated

Millennial teenagers are connected to the internet and social media almost all the time. Interaction with the internet can have several negative effects on the psychological condition of adolescents.

One of the most obvious is the thought which considers itself valuable in terms of comments and numbers like they get on social media.

Uncertain times

One of the stressful factors facing today's generation is that they grow up in uncertainty or uncertain times.

Not only uncertainty about the future but also fear and feelings of insecurity. They feel that at any time something bad can happen like bullying (bullying), accidents, robbery cases, global warming, etc. Conditions like this greatly affect depression in adolescents.

Not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic which can also give the impression that the world is not a safe place for them and their future. The current condition increases their anxiety which is already high.

Not enough sleep

Lack of quantity and quality of sleep is experienced by many teenagers today. The reason is the many uncontrollable internet surfing tasks and activities.

Lack of sleep will have an impact on the physical and psychological condition of adolescents.

Lack of Community

Living in a fast paced and stressful era is certainly not easy. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of positive and supportive communities for the development of adolescent mental health.

The condition of the lack of a support community has an impact on the ease with which depression occurs, especially for those who do not have the support of their closest people, such as parents, family, and teachers.

What should parents do to prevent depression in their children?

It is important to underline that parents need to realize that mental health in adolescents is as important as physical health.

As parents, of course we really pay attention to the health of our children. Take them to the doctor and give them medicine when they have fever, cough and such. But have we as parents care about the mental health of our children?

Depression symptoms in adolescents are often hidden, so let's pay more attention to seeing small changes. When symptoms of depression appear in adolescents, immediately consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, mental nurse, or a trained general practitioner for immediate help.

Depressive symptoms in adolescents

Recognizing the symptoms of depression helps parents take prevention or early detection so that treatment can be done immediately.

According to the manual for mental health diagnosis DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), depression in adolescents has the following symptoms:

A sad or irritable mood (baper)
Decreased interest, it is difficult to enjoy everyday life
Decreased concentration and difficulty making decisions (slow)
The quality and quantity of sleep time is not appropriate, Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
Change in appetite or change in weight
Excessive fatigue, easily tired, reduced energy
Having feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Recurring thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
Psychomotor agitation (restlessness) or laziness to move (mager)

A teenager can be said to be depressed if they experience the above symptoms that last for at least 2 consecutive weeks. All of these symptoms can interfere with daily life at school, social environment, and family.

Prevent depression in adolescents

Depression in adolescents can be prevented by doing proper parenting to support the child's mental condition. For example:

Love

Give love and attention to children and make sure children know that we, the parents, are always there for them.

Conversation

Encourage children to want to talk about what they experienced, create an atmosphere that makes them comfortable and free to tell stories.

Listen

Make sure we listen to what the children tell. Yes, listen, not directly advise, let alone judge.

Feeling

Find out what the child is feeling and confirm those feelings.

Symptoms

Recognize the signs and symptoms of depression described above.

Behavior

Be aware of various changes in behavior shown by children.

Patience

Be patient in dealing with teenagers, do not put heavy pressure on him.

Educate

Tell the child what mental health is and the importance of keeping the soul healthy.

Coping

Help children learn effective coping or adaptation skills in dealing with stress, for example by relaxing.

Rest time

Make sure the child has adequate and quality sleep time.

Problem solving

Assist children in finding effective and realistic problem solutions.

Environment

Provide children with an environment that is conducive and supportive for mental development.

Support

Always provide support, motivation and praise for children on a regular basis.

Exercise

Make sure the child does regular exercise to maintain good physical and mental health.

Be proud

Always tell children that we are proud of them, this is important to build self-esteem and self-confidence

Help

Come and consult a professional for help.

As parents, they want their children to have good achievements and good grades in school, but it should be noted that their mental health is much more important than that. We need to stop thinking that depression in children is just something that teenagers make or try to get attention.