American Psychiatric Association - depression

Depression and its Impact

Depression is a prevalent condition that affects people’s moods, according to the American Psychiatric Association. The disorder has a negative impact on how people think, act, and feel. It results in feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in previously appreciated activities.

Causes of Depression in Teenagers

Depression is caused by a variety of circumstances, and doctors can identify signs and symptoms in teenagers suffering from the disorder. High academic and social expectations in teenagers can contribute to despair. Adolescents feel rejected and dejected when they fail to achieve scholastic expectations set by their schools and family. Issues that induce low self-esteem in adolescents can also lead to depression. Obesity and physical impairment are two of these issues. Other factors that cause depression include inherited traits, hormonal imbalance, and trauma in early childhood. Signs of depression include a shift in behavior, regular episodes of sadness, drug, and substance abuse, and lose interest in certain activities a person previously enjoyed (Mental Health America).

Prevention and Intervention

The first primary method of preventing depression in adolescents is the formation of family support for teenagers. Strong family relations between adolescents and their parents can help address the problem. Other primary prevention measures include engaging in sports and other activities that assist in enhancing self-esteem. Having strong social support from friends is also important (University of Calgary).

There also secondary interventions like getting treatment early. Accessing early treatment helps mental health providers to address the symptoms before they get worse. Other secondary interventions include seeking therapy in an outpatient facility and joining self-help groups.

However, if the symptoms get worse tertiary intervention methods should be sought. Tertiary prevention includes specialized treatment in large mental facilities, admission in adolescent psychiatric wards and regular therapy sessions for patients (University of Calgary).

Community and State Resources

There exists various community and state resources that help address the problem of adolescent depression. The first is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance support group. The resource provides a platform where patients can share their experiences, understand their conditions and discover their strengths. It is also a platform for self-discovery and acceptance. The second community resource is the Mood Disorder Screening Center. This community resource helps people explore the possibility that they may be suffering from depression. It also offers online sessions where people can feel questionnaires.

Nursing Intervention

The first nursing intervention I would use on an adolescent suspected of suffering from depression before referring them to a community resource is the use of a screening program first to determine if they are showing signs of depression.

Conclusion

Adolescent depression is a big problem in the country. The condition is a leading cause of teen suicides and must be addressed. Fortunately, it is easily treatable if the signs and symptoms are detected early. There are also various interventions that people can use to manage depression like forming strong family relations, seeking social and community support from friends, church, and schools and engaging in outdoor activities like community services and sports.

References

Mental Health America. (n.d). Depression in Teens. Retrieved Oct. 16,2017, from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-teens

University of Calgary. (n.d). Interventions and Treatment Methods with Adolecents. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2017, from http://www.ucalgary.ca/cmhp/graduate_modules/9