TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Introduction

Depression is a major source of the burden of disease throughout the world. In much of the developing
world. 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 2000, 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 seeks 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.
Background

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 person’s 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 lustre’s younger brother and Julia buencamino
(daughter of nonie buencamino) brings to the forefront the subject of teenage depression. Yes,
depression is possible in both 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 teenager’s life , sudden changes in behavior or mood, isolating
oneself, not contacting friends, refusing to go to school are non-specific signs of depression in
teenagers. It’s 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 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 it’s up to that person to respond
accordingly. We always look for answers to questions, and, sometimes the silence is defeating.

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.