Depression

Depression is more than a feeling of occasional sadness. Depression is a mental health condition, that requires care. Care can be at various different levels depending on the severity of the depression and needs of the individual. The Wave has both residential and outpatient treatment options for depression treatment for young people. Living with depression can be very difficult.

Depression can prevent us from enjoying life and sometimes lead to withdrawing, avoiding friends, family and activities that we used to enjoy. We may notice that our family member or friend has become more irritable than they used to, to moody/discontent.

It is thought that severe depression affects about 3% of young people.

Sleeping can also become problematic, sleeping too much or finding it difficult to sleep at all. Physical symptoms, aches, pains , fatigue, stomach aches can all feature in depression for young people. Lack of confidence and plummeting self esteem, feeling unattractive, hopeless and miserable, Occasionally, there may be periods of self harm (cutting, burning, self hitting) or thoughts of death or dying.

Some young people with depression may try to end their life or discuss suicide at length. Whilst depression can affect all ages; young adults and teenagers are particularly at risk. Girls have a slightly increased risk of suffering from depression. It is thought that severe depression affects about 3% of young people.

Depression is the most common mental health diagnosis worldwide. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression affects more than 300 million people globally, and while both women and men are impacted equally by depression, women tend to be diagnosed more often, possibly because there is less stigma in getting help. 

Causes of Depression in Teens

There is increasing evidence that depression in teens is rising globally. COVID-19 has impacted our ability to take part in many things that we previously took for granted. This has certainly impacted children, teens and young adults. 

There are many reasons why a teenager may be more susceptible to depression and mental illness, including:

• Childhood Trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences 
• Genetics
• Family members with mental illness 
• Substance Use Disorder in the family 
• Changes at home, such as divorce, separation, loss, moving school or home
• Bullying or lack of social support 
• Poor sleep
• Chronic pain 
• Anxiety
• ADHD 

Teen Depression – The Facts

– 15% of teens and young adults are currently suffering from depression. –

– Only 30% of teens who need depression treatment will be able to access care. –

– Every 100 minutes a teen takes his/her own life. –

– Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15–24 year olds globally. –

        – Trauma often precedes severe depression. –

– Up to 50% of teens with depression have a family member who is also depressed. –

– Teens with depression are four times more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol. –

– Teens who experience conflict at home are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. –

– Teens with chronic pain or medical conditions are at increased risk of depression.

– Depression is more common in girls and gender-minority teens. –

– Teens with two or more racial or ethnic identities are at increased risk of severe depression. –

– LGBTQ+ teens are at increased risk of suicide, depression and substance abuse. –

– Most teens with depression do not get the treatment they need, directly impacting their mental health in adulthood. –

– There is no single cause of depression in teenagers. –

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression 

• Sadness, hopelessness and despair 
• Talking about ending their life, suicide, or of ‘not wanting to wake up’ 
• Self-harm, including cutting, burning, pulling hair or picking skin 
• Talking about death, researching death, watching death-related movies
• Low self esteem or self worth 
• Lack of motivation, feeling lethargic, heavy and unable to ‘get going’
• Increased drug and alcohol use 
• Isolating, spending more time alone, not returning calls, staying in their room 
• Loss of interest in activities that they previously enjoyed (sport, creative arts, clubs)
• Increase in physical illness or needing days off of school 
• Changes in friendships 
• Losing interest in self-care and personal hygiene
• Running away from home 
• Keeping sharp or dangerous objects, pills or medicines 
• Writing suicide notes or journals 

Any discussion or indication that your teen is suicidal should be taken seriously. If you or someone that you know is at risk, please call Emergency Services in your area immediately.

Call 999

Call 911

Call your nearest Emergency Room and ask for the OnCall psychiatrist

Just as there are varying severities of depression, there is a range of treatments. Depression can be helped through the support of friends and family or be treated by working with a psychotherapist or receiving inpatient care.

Early Intervention – Treatment for Teen Depression 

Early intervention and treatment for teen depression can make a significant difference in the lives of teens and young people. Treatment may be residential, outpatient or at school – based upon clinical assessment and associated risks. 

Referral Pathways for Depression in Teens

The Wave accepts referrals from parents, carers, teachers, mental health professionals and from young people directly. Our assessment process is centred around the needs of the young person and their family. 
You can contact our Clinical and Medical team to schedule an assessment here.