INTRODUCTION

Depression is a major source of the burden of disease throughout the world. In much of

the developing world, however, depression is largely unexplored as a research topic. A

social mapping revealed that, even though the mental disorder has been recognized as

a research priority, only a sparse number of relevant studies have been carried out in low-

and middle-income countries. Roughly 60% of these countries have contributed fewer

than five articles to the international mental health indexed literature. Strategic evidence

is needed in order to prevent the occurrence of depression, including its pernicious effects

and prohibitive treatment cost.

As far back as 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) considered that depression

was the second greatest cause of disability in the world. This view was reinforced by

major research led by the WHO and published in 2007 in which the burden of depression

was compared with that of chronic illnesses including angina, arthritis, asthma and

diabetes. In this research nearly a quarter of a million people in 60 countries were studied;

after allowing for socioeconomic factors and other health conditions, depression had the

largest effect on worsening health, and people with depression in addition to another

chronic illness had the worst health measures of all disease states.

One in every 10 Filipinos between 15 and 24 years old admitted to being depressed in a

survey conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the

Demographic Research and Development Foundation. But only 1 in every 3 depressives

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seek help, according to the Department of Health. The rest either bear the symptoms in

silence too embarrassed to seek help or continue to suffer from depression without

knowing it.

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 TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that

negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also

treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities

once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can

decrease a persons ability to function at work and at home. Symptoms must last at least

two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.

Adults commonly tell young people that the teenage years are the "best years of your

life." The rosy remembrance highlights happy groups of high school students

energetically involved at a dance or sporting event, and a bright-eyed couple holding

hands or sipping sodas and eating in Hepa Street. This is only part of the picture. Life for

many young people is a painful tug of war filled with mixed messages and conflicting

demands from parents, teachers, coaches, employers, friends and oneself.

Growing up negotiating a path between independence and reliance on others is a tough

business. It creates stress, and it can create serious depression for young people ill-

equipped to cope, communicate and solve problems. The recent suicide of Nadine

lustres younger brother and Julia buencamino (daughter of nonie buencamino) brings to

the forefront the subject of teenage depression. Yes, depression is possible in both

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teenagers and children. Depression among children and teenagers is not always easy to

spot.

Unlike depressed adults, whose hallmark symptom is often a profound sadness or lack

of energy in activities and loss of enthusiasm for the things they previously enjoyed. In

older children and teenagers, depression often manifests as chronic anger, irritability and

often isolating oneself, which parents of teenagers tend to dismiss as part of the

teenagerslife

sudden changes in behavior or mood, isolating oneself, not contacting friends, refusing

to go to school are non-specific signs of depression in teenagers. Its not always just

sadness. These are some of the early warning signs that parents need to look out for.

Some other indicators of a restless or sadness within could be the quality of creative work

that is produced, such as dark or disturbing art work, the type of music that the young

person listens to, or the images or words that they they use in their writing. Often a sense

of worthlessness or helplessness is a theme in the writings of depressed young people.

A palpable anger or rage is another running theme.

These are some of the issues that can cause depression include identity crises, peer

pressure and society. Of course, depression affects each person differently, and its up

to that person to respond accordingly. We always look for answers to questions, and,

sometimes the silence is defeaning.

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National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC) of the Philippine General

Hospital reported that 46 percent of the total suicide cases recorded since 2010 are from

the youth.The report showed that 30% of those who committed suicide are young adults

aged 20 to 35 years old while the remaining 16% are teens aged 10 to 19 years old. While

the rate of youth suicide in the country was relatively low compared to neighboring

countries in the region, the bad news is that the suicide rates in the country have been on

the rise.

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 REACH OUT

It doesnt have to be a doctor. It could be a guidance counselor, a good friend, someone

from your childs support group. If you suspect that there is something going on in your

child or friends inner life, you must exert the effort to reach out. Having access to

someone that they can talk to and pour their hearts out to be very crucial. If the child or

teenager refuses to go for assessment, the parent needs to encourage the child to see

the doctor or counselor even just once.

Making time to be with your child, whether it is over a meal, a quick trip to the grocery, or

even just a few minutes at the start or end of each day, is very important. Bonding

moments with friends. Teenagers tend to be monosyllabic or dismissive, but thats part of

being a teenager, so the parent needs to stretch their patience and understand. Do not

make every encounter a battlefield and make the child or teenager feel worse.

Depression is really the main cause why people commit suicide. So, the role of counselor

is important in healing and building the soft and life skills of the students. Counseling

should include positive interactions, active listening, restoring hope and doing problem

solving for real problems.

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References:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/847516/villanueva-youth-suicide-in-ph-on-the-rise

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/75938/when-a-teenager-is-depressed/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/research/youth-issues/adolescent-stress-and-

depression/

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/524070/special-report-

suicide-and-the-pinoy-youth/story/

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression#3

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/200741/choosing-hope-understanding-teen-depression/

http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2015/10/17/1511675/counselors-say-depression-

causes-suicide-among-youth

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