GirlSense and NonSense Fall 2015 | Seite 38

"Talking Can Benefit Desloate Adolescents With Depression" by Courtney Hallam

Depression is a battle that many teenagers have to struggle through. A friend of mine gets made fun of a lot in school for being so-called weird and because he does not quite fit in. His sister lets all of the comments thrown her way roll right off her back, but they get to him. They make him feel worthless and like he is almost nothing. He never fails to mention how he thinks some people are beautiful and very nice. However, nobody ever gives him a compliment back. They just whisper about how he creeps them out by being so nice and open with everything. His sister walked into his room one night because she heard him crying. She was expecting to find his hamster died because he is not a very good pet owner. What she saw shocked her beyond belief. She found him hanging a rope in his closet where he could hang himself. Nobody knew he was depressed. Nobody knew he was as sad as he was. Approximately 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. Depression may be described as feeling sad, unhappy, or miserable.

Depression is a problem that can not just disappear, but with increased awareness it is possible. As many as two million American teens suffered from major depression last year. People most often say that everyone is “perfect,” but that word has no meaning anymore. Teens are constantly comparing themselves to others. That is just how it works. When they see a girl or boy with great hair or a body that other people want to have they immediately dub it as perfect. It is not that the person is “perfect” it is that they do not let their flaws define them. They accept themselves for who they are. They do not realize that what they are doing is destroying other teens on the inside. Teenagers just want to fit in and are usually feeling self-conscious, so depression kicks in soon after. They feel as though it would be better if they were dead, which is not the case. Teenagers with depression are not alone as long as somebody is willing to advise them. It would be most beneficial if people would come together to end teen depression.

Some adults believe that teens should solve their own problem because mommy and daddy will not always be there to hold their hands. Award-winning author, journalist, and psychotherapist, Kathy McCoy, states that, “By stepping in and taking over, you are taking away a valuable chance for your child to grow in competence.” When adults allow their teenagers to battle depression alone they are making a costly decision.

or contemplating committing suicide, which could be the outcome. McCoy also says, “Learning to face challenges and conflict, do the hard things in life (from asking for help to apologizing) and work through worries and anxieties are all important steps toward full, functional adulthood.” These are important steps toward functional adulthood as long as the child is willing to get help. However, that is not always the case because many teens do not believe they have a problem. Not all depressed teens need to see a therapist. Sometimes talking to a friend or parent can help, even a non-judgemental person they meet over the internet could be of assistance.