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Really if you think about the fact that a million people live in New York alone, then two million isn't such a bad number. But even so, it's not cool that so many children are struggling through their teenage years. A struggle which lends to being depressed (much different than being sad or moody).

"More than 2 million U.S. teenagers have suffered a serious bout of depression in the past year, including nearly 13 percent of girls, according to a federal government survey released on Tuesday.

On average, 8.5 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 described having had a major depressive episode in the previous year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported.

But there were "striking differences" by sex, with 12.7 percent of girls and 4.6 percent of boys affected."

I wonder if this is because more girls vocalize their depression while more boys would be apt to remain silent and miserable. I think this is probably because boys aren't supposed to be "emotional" creatures and many adults claim depression is something you should just be able to snap out of, so boys should get over it? I hope this is not the case, but unfortunately it probably is...

And don't think these kids don't know what depression is all about either. According to the report, "They defined a major depressive episode as two weeks or longer of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms such as problems with sleep, energy, concentration or self-image." Sounds spot on to me.

Having struggled with depression throughout high school I know how hard it can be to come to terms with feeling that way. I still am being treated for my depression and even after coping for over a decade, there are times when I very much just want to jump off a bridge. Of course I am able to cope after having learned coping mechanisms which work, but it took a lot of time and support.

And so, I urge everyone to be sure they are aware of the teenagers in their life. Notice their moods, may attention to how they interact with others and be sure to be as supportive of their feelings as possible. Early intervention is extremely important.

SOURCE

Labels: depression, teens