Depression in teenagers

Do you ever feel alone?  Do you feel like you hate yourself?  Do you feel that other people in your life don’t understand what you are going through? Do you have a persistent low mood?  You may be suffering  from symptoms of depression.


If you do, rest assured you are not the only one.  There are other people that feel the same as you. Teenagers in particular can experience mental health issues such as anger, anxiety, depression and body image issues and over time some may find escape through drugs and alcohol.  


Depression is a mood disorder that most people will experience at least one time during their life.  A family history of mental health illness will increase the likelihood that a person will experience depression or anxiety.  Quite often a person that has depression will also have anxiety.  In some cases people may have thoughts of self harm or suicide.

​​Why are teenagers at risk of depression?

• Hormonal changes
• Body image
• Peer pressure
• Academic pressure
• Family breakup
• Bullying and cyber bullying
• Abuse and trauma
• Self esteem and social skill issues

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​Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood, it is a serious mental health disorder which can be dangerous if left untreated for a long time.  Common symptoms of depression that people may experience can include feeling unhappy, guilty and irritable.  Someone suffering from this mental health disorder may also have thoughts such as 'I'm a failure' and 'life's not worth living'.  One may experience sleeplessness, weight loss or gain, persistent low mood, headaches and fatigue. 

​What is the solution?

If you or people that you know are experiencing symptoms of depression, or thought of suicide, talk to people in your life that you trust.  This may be a friend, a parent or a teacher at school that can offer support.  You can also go see your GP about your depression.  A GP will be able to advise you on how to get the help, support and treatment you need.  If you are nervous about talking to someone, there are also great online support options available.  Beyond Blue is a resourceful online support tool that you should have a look at.  It is important to know that there is effective treatment available for depression.  Swan Valley Psychology in Perth offers professional treatment for mental health disorders in people of all ages.

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​ there are also things that you can do for yourself to improve symptoms of depression…..

• Try to change the way you think about things.
• Eat a well balanced, nourished diet.  By keeping your body healthy, you will have more energy to do things!
• Get enough sleep at night and have a regular sleeping pattern.  By sleeping well at night, you will feel more energetic during the day.
• Exercise regularly.  Over time, this will improve your strength, fitness and confidence.  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. 
• Reduce stress.  Allow time in your life for yourself to excercise, try yoga or meditation.  You can also try communicating with other people about your symptoms of depression. Seek support from people around you. 

Rest assured, there are people out there that can help and offer support and treatment.  Swan Valley Psychology Centre provides professional information, treatment  and support to those suffering with symptoms of depression.   They provide mental health services relating to Depression in people of all ages.   Contact Swan Valley Psychology for more information about the support they can provide.  Have a look online at www.svpc.com.au or contact us by phone on 08 9379 3580.