Depression

The adolescent years are a time of great change, both in mind and body. Teens are trying to become independent. Most rebel against authority in some way For that reason, the early signs of depression are often ignored. These are some common ways that teenagers show depression:

• Long-term boredom or a lack of interest in any activity
• Acting out, getting into trouble at home, at school, or with the law
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Increased “accidents,” some done on pur pose to hurt oneself
• Sexual misconduct
• Poor performance in school, athletics, etc.
• Loss of friends; isolation
• Headaches or other physical complaints
• Talk of suicide

Most adolescents go through periods of being bored with life, misbehaving, or taking risks. But when this kind of behavior goes too far or happens too often, it could be a sign of depression.

Sherry became depressed when her father told her to break up with her boyfriend. Sherry had been going out with Jake for nearly two years and was sure she loved him. They had had sex several times. The thought of losing him was more than she could bear. Sherry stayed angry with her father and refused to do what he wanted. Late at night, she would sneak out of the house. She started skipping school and let her grades slip. One night as she lay in bed, Sherry made a plan. She decided she would become pregnant. Then what could her father say?

Sherry stopped using birth control and had a baby nine months later. But there were parts of her plan that didn't work the way she had imag ined. Jake got scared when he heard he was going to be a father. He moved out of state to live with his mom. Sherry's father threw her out of the house. Now Sherry was on her own, left to raise her child alone. Depression had changed Sherry's life forever.