Teen Depression; Society's Downfall

OVERVIEW

• definition
• types
• causes
• symptoms
• solutions
• resources

1 in every 33 children are affected.
Over 5% could be suffering.
Could they be sitting amongst us?

WHAT IT IS

• A serious medical condition that results in never-ending feelings of sadness & loss of interest in activities.
• It affects how adolescent thinks, feels & behaves.
• It causes emotional, functional & physical problems.

TYPES

ENDOGENOUS

• It is regulated by independent molecular pathways.
• It is probable that subtypes of depression that are distinct from endogenous ones.
• Has no trigger and can occur at random, without apparent cause.

ENDOGENOUS

• It is typecast by feelings of guilt, worthlessness and anhedonia.
• May be worsened by excessive stress.
• Higher risk of relapse rather than exogenous depression.

EXOGENOUS

• It is caused by stressful life occurrences.
• It often lacks physical symptoms like alternating sleeping and eating patterns.

EXAMPLES

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Catatonic Depression
• Dysthymia
• Atypical Depression
• Melancholic Depression
• Manic Depression
• Psychotic Depression

AS OF OCTOBER 2013

CAUSES

• Hormones
• Inherited traits
• Early childhood trauma
• Learned patterns of negative thinking

ITS EFFECTS

• problems at school
• running away from home
• poor self-esteem
• recklessness
• violence
• drug and/or alcohol abuse
• internet addiction

SYMPTOMS OF ENDO-DEPRESSION

• Fatigue
• Inability & difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Changes in diet with according weight gain or loss
• Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour
• In severe cases, there are psychotic symptoms

WARNING SIGNS

• When an individual talks or jokes about suicide
• Romanticising death
• Writing about death, dying or suicide
• Recklessness and often getting into accidents and sustaining injury
• Letting go of prized or sentimental belongings
• Bidding farewell as though it is for the last time
• Searching for ways to die

Lyster Loh, 10, jumped from the 5th floor of his flat.

Simran Kaur, 12, jumped from the 12th floor.

22% of kids have suicidal thoughts

17.2% of primary schoolers show symptoms of depression

TREATMENT

• Psychosocial Intervention
• Psychotherapy
• Medication
• Both psychotherapy and medication. (proven to be most effective for the younger age group)

TIME TAKEN TO SEEK HELP (years)

NUMBER OF KIDS SEEKING PSYCHIATRIC HELP

HOW WE CAN HELP

• Patience is key.
• Never put blame for their condition on themselves.
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Always keep track of anti-depressives dosages
• Notice negative mood swings
• If they start talking about suicide, sought immediate help

NUMBER OF KIDS AWARDED TO IMH

The number one fear of American and Japanese kids is losing their loved one, Singaporean kids however,

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

• Offer support.
• Be gentle but persistent.
• Listen unconditionally.
• Validate his/her feelings.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

• Be understanding.
• Encourage physical and social activity.
• Stay involved in the treatment.
• Acquire knowledge about depression.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

• Ensure that the whole family is being taken care of.
• Seek help.
• Be open.
• Remember the other family members.
• Never play the blame game.

INDIVIDUAL'S GUIDE

• Find a professional psychiatrist.
• Do not become dependent on medication(s).