The Big Differences Between Adult and Teenage Depression

Many hardworking adults think fondly of their teenage years, claiming they miss the freedom and the lack of real-life worries. For them, their teenage life seems so ideal compared to their life now as they did not have to worry about the future, put food on the table, or discipline unruly children. They forget, however, that it can be hard being a teenager.

As the teenage body metamorphoses from a child to an adult, many “strange” physical, mental and emotional changes occur that greatly affect the teen’s self-image and even self-worth. Increased demands from school and parents also add to the on-going stresses of the bodily changes.

In addition to these, their peers, who are undergoing similar changes, may transform into something the teen did not expect. Childhood friendships are lost as former “friends” now prefer hanging out with a different crowd. Suddenly, the idea of being “popular” or being “in” is more important than past childhood experiences.

It can get lonely, difficult, and depressing indeed!

Teenage Depression

Due to today’s complex demands, both adults and teens may experience clinical depression, stemming from a variety of personal or environmental issues.

Negative self-talk is one of the characteristics of depression. Both adults and teens dealing with depression usually believe that they are unworthy, often feeling that they cannot live up to society’s standards. Many times this is born out of a personal comparison of oneself against the achievements or characteristics of others.

And of course, there is also negative comparison stemming from friends, colleagues, and family. Because of these, some sufferers also deal with much anxiety which is compounded negatively by a distinct lack of motivation.

But there are big differences between what adults face and what teens deal with.

The Social World

For teenagers with clinical depression, the bodily changes they are experiencing can make this “unworthiness” feel even worse. Puberty hits teenagers at different times and in different ways. For boys, it is generally to their disadvantage if it comes later than their peers.

If they remain small and frail while their peers become taller and stronger, then they end up becoming victims of bullying – verbally and/or physically – which adds to their depression.

For many girls, it is the opposite. When puberty hits them at an earlier stage than their female peers, research shows that there is more difficulty as they become the focus of stares and gossip from both girls and boys alike. Dealing with menstruation is also a physical issue that many young girls do not wish to undergo, complicating their depressed state.

Another factor that contributes to teenage depression is social media. In the past, the home was generally considered a safe haven. One’s walls and family protected a person from the outside world.

Now, because of online connectivity, bullying can affect people, particularly young teens, at home or wherever else they may be. Not only do these derogatory posts stay with the person wherever they may go, but they may be instantly shared with others, further damaging the reputation of a person.

An additional effect of social media is how what is posted online affects the unprotected minds of the youth. Because of the current need to be “in”, many teenagers post the “cool” and “exciting” things happening in their lives, hoping to obtain “likes” and followers.

While some may think this is positive, there is a negative effect on those who already feel like they are social outcasts. As they view their peers’ posts, the more they feel inferior and unworthy, contributing more to their depression.

Hope Exists through Counseling

For most adult sufferers of clinical depression, a mixture of therapy and antidepressant medication is the usual solution. Many parents, however, are wary about the extensive use of drugs during their children’s formative years. The good news is that therapy alone can be enough for their teen.

Professional counseling usually works wonders for depressed teens. Oftentimes what is lacking in their complicated lives is someone willing to listen without judging. This is why teens often hesitate to share with parents or other family members.

In a neutral and professional setting, however, the teen feels less intimated and more open to sharing. This is why some states like Washington grant the right to full privacy in counseling, even from the child’s parents.

When counseled, the depressed teen can properly address the root of their problem, allowing them to get their life back on track. In therapy as well, fears and desires about who they are and who they want to be can be discussed; goals can be set, and their feeling of self-worth can be improved.

Moreover, such an experience may help them as well in the future. People often suffer multiple bouts of depression during their lifetime. Counseling as a teen makes the experience of it less scary in the future, prompting them to seek immediate help as needed. A big reason why many adults today suffer for years on end without seeking professional help is that they view it as a negative experience, which should not be the case.

An additional benefit of teen counseling is the effect on the depressed teen’s circle of friends. Many times it is not just one individual who is suffering – there are often others. But if counseling is sought out and the positive results are seen, there is a high percentage that others will take notice and seek help as well.

What Needs to be Done

Teenage depression can ruin one’s life. If that special time of discovery is disrupted because of self-doubt and lack of self-worth, then adult life will be very tough indeed. But if addressed quickly, the teen’s life and outlook can become positive once more.

If you are experiencing teenage depression or if you know of a teenager in such a situation, please seek help now!