Stress and depression Essays

Stress and depression Essays Stress and depression Essay Stress and depression Essay Adolescence is a time of emotional pandemonium, and behavioral experimentation. It is the time of heightened sensitivity and upheaval. It is when a human personality is most affected by its surroundings. Social stressors like problems at home and school adversely manipulate the young minds and are the prime causes of depression. The teenager who exhibits negative personality changes necessitates due cognizance before it is ruined completely. This research focuses on root causes of stress and depression in adolescents and how it affects their schooling. The paper will also suggest ways and means to handle stress and depression in teenagers.IntroductionIn America today, around 18 million people are depressed. Over 2 million of these are adolescents (Watkins, 2004). In most cases, depression is caused by stress. Majors stressors in a teenager’s life extend from home to the school environment. Many children are confronted with family conflicts besides constant changes in schools, neighborhoods and child care arrangements. Sometimes violence in homes or communities cause great deal of stress in a youngster’s life. The impact of all these stressor depends on childs level of maturity. A very young child who is under constant supervision at home and at school, may get least affected. However, when a child enters in the age of adolescence, the personality starts getting most affected by the stressors present around him/her.Whatever the cause of depression in an adolescent’s life, it can result in isolation, poor education results, violence, and even suicide. The high percentage of this illness in adolescents reflects severity of the situation which has rung bells in concerned quarters. This research paper aims at highlighting symptoms and causes of stress and depression in adolescents, scrutinizing its impact while obtaining education. The paper will make suitable suggestions as to how to deal with the issue specially at school level. The research is based on relevant statistic collected from various sources and focuses on reports of medical and psychiatric professionals.Stress and Depression in AdolescentsAmerican Heritage Dictionary defines stress as a state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain’. It is a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition usually leading to a state of depression. The term depression usually means a functional impairment or in other words, patients of depression are physically and mentally handicapped to carry out their everyday lifes activities in normal fashion (Sharry, 2004, p. 2). Depression, in psychiatry is a symptom of mood disorder characterized by intense feelings of loss, sadness, hopelessness, failure, and rejection (Colombia University Press). Depression also known as clinical depression is currently the leading cause of disability in the US as well as other countries, and is expected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide (after heart disease) by the year 2020 (Murray Lopez, 1997, P. 1498).In US, childhood and adolescent depression has increased considerably in the past fifty years. Besides causing behavioral and emotional turbulences in adolescents’ life, this can affect their physical health as well. Asthma, hay fever, migraine headache and gastrointestinal illnesses like colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer can be exacerbated by stressful situations (Hac k, 2001). An analytical study established that the comparative ratio of depression found in girls is much more than in boys. During childhood the number of boys and girls affected are almost equal. In adolescence, twice as many girls as boys are diagnosed (Watkins, 2004). Effects of stress and depression may initially seem minute but repeated episodes of depression can affect a young mind to a great extent.Symptoms of Stress and Depression in AdolescentsSymptoms of stress and depression in adolescents can be identified easily. Constant sadness, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation, lowered energy levels, loss of concentration and slowed thinking is reflected by missed classes and poor grades. Boredom may be a synonym for feeling depressed. Loss of appetite may become anorexia or bulimia. Adolescent depression may portray an alcohol or drug abuse and rebellion with no obvious reasons (Blackman, 1995).Symptoms of adolescent stress and depression are somewhat similar to those of adul t depression. Sometimes one can also see irritability and suicidal talk. The parents would usually complain that the adolescent hates himself and everything else (Watkins, 2004). Depressed young people often find school very difficult and are reluctant to attend. They often suffer anxiety that stems from their depression, manifesting itself in physical symptoms on school mornings that ease off as the day progresses. These symptoms may include nausea, stomach pains, fatigue and weakness (Sharry, 2004, p. 107).Stress is a major cause of depression. In order to identify symptoms of depression, we should be familiar with the symptoms of stress as well. In adolescents, symptoms of stress can be divided into following categories (Molgaard, 1996):1) Physical Symptoms: Headaces, stomach aches, vomiting.2) Emotional Symptoms: Fear, irritability, sadness.3) Behavioral Symptoms: Crying, nervous tics, losing temper.4) Interpersonal Relationship: Withdrawing, teasing or bullying, extreme shyness .Causes of Stress and Depression in AdolescentsThe more it is easier to identify the depression through symptoms, the more it is difficult to establish its causes. It can be heredity or an environmental issue. Inconsistent parenting could be one cause, and stressful life experiences can be another. Various people cite different reasons for early life depression. When depressed adults are asked about their childhood experiences, they report neglect, abuse, rejection and parental conflict as major causes (Watkins, 2004). There can be no single reason for depression in adolescents. Most of the time, it will a combination of various triggers. And more the number of causes, worst is the outcome.An in-depth study reveal that causes of stress and depression more or less can be attributed to many different kinds of experiences, from early childhood to later life. These experiences would usually include a violent family environment, abused or neglected childhood, death of a loved one, extrem e stress caused by a serious financial problem or an unhealthy social condition such as poverty or homelessness. Some other causes which are beyond anyone’s control like chronic illness, side effects of medications, hormonal changes that affect mood (such as the onset or end of menstruation) and genetic causes also contribute to stress and depression in adolescents.There are a few lifestyle factors that may cause depression themselves or add to already prevailing illness. Adolescents would always find time running out of their hands. They would usually cut their sleep time to complete their overwhelming ambitions. Lack of sufficient sleep in teenagers is being considered one of the major causes leading to stressful scenarios, and ultimately resulting into depression. Other lifestyle factors contributing to depression include isolation, poor diet, excess caffeine or sugar, lack of exercise, and lack of fun and recreation.Impacts of Stress and Depression in Adolescents while Ob taining EducationImpact of stress and depression in adolescents is directly proportionate to the causes of the illness. Depressed adolescents however would invariably be less energetic, least motivated, slow and less productive. Depression will take away their decisiveness and they would be uncertain most of time and will make more mistakes. At home, they will restrict themselves to their rooms and take least interest in family affairs. Stress and depression affects emotions to a greater extent. Depressed adolescents will be unable to demonstrate affection for loved ones. They would like to live in isolation and avoid social gatherings.Depression is closely associated with interpersonal relationships at homes and at schools. It is one major cause in manifestation of suicidal behavior, violent thoughts, alcohol, early pregnancy, tobacco and drug abuse. Since 1950, the adolescent suicide rate has risen four times. According to one estimates, 12% of the total adolescent mortality in 19 93 was due to suicide (Watkins, 2004). Adolescents suffering from depression and associated emotional disorders are often alienated at school. Their sense of insecurity and lack of will power to meet the requirements of daily life force them to the state of regression and repression. More sever the sickness, the greater the impact on attaining education. Major reprisals of stress and depression in schooling of an adolescent are enumerated below:1) Poor grades due to lack of interest, and lack of concentration.2) School drop outs due to constantly deteriorating performance.3) No social activities, and lack of participation in sports or any other extra-curricular activity due to lack of energy and lack of will power.4) Victims of abuse due to lack of friends/social circle.5) Isolation/seclusion due to lack of confidence.6) Reshaping of personality into pessimistic, choleric, and melancholic shades.7) High risk of indulgence in serious acts of violence against others and themselves. Th e violent activities in schools have gone much beyond alarming stage. Various prominent health organizations like American Psychological Association, National Association of School Psychologists and National School Safety Center are making all out efforts to identify and predict potential perpetrators. Recent studies have concluded that depression has been the major factor responsible for instigating students for engaging in acts of violence at schools and elsewhere. Among the ten student perpetrators identified in school shooting incidents occurring between 1996 and 1999, eight had a clear history of depression (Verlinden, Hersen, and Thomas, 2000). According to the data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of youth suicide has tripled over the last 50 years and is now the third leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds. More teens and young adults die of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease combined (CDC, 2003). Clearly, youth depression and suicide are important issues for school personnel to consider as they strive to address both the educational and mental health needs of students.Modus Operandi to Handle Stress and Depression in AdolescentsStress and depression are curable. The treatment will however depend on the level of severity. The nature and the cause of the disease will dictate its treatment. Some patients may only require counseling and some may necessitate serious medical help. The major problem is to make the patient talk about his/her illness. Adolescents generally avoid such topics of discussion with parents. Adolescent boys find it particularly difficult to talk about their feelings especially at homes (Sharry, 2004, p. 63). Depression and the accompanying threat of suicide are very serious mental health issues and schools have an important role to play in addressing both the educational and mental health needs of all students . When dealing with such illness, role of the schools expands much beyond education to prevention and treatment of the problem. School is the best place, where an adolescent can be confronted and lured in to talk about the problem.Schools should educate teachers, students, families, and the larger community about depression, its causes, treatment, and management. In one study (Curry, 2001), symptoms of depression were minimized in students who participated with their families in school-based sessions designed to enhance communication, problem-solving skills, and awareness of the effects of depression on the entire family system.From a prevention focus, it is important that teachers and guidance counselors have an adequate understanding of childhood depression, its symptoms, and warning signs associated with child and adolescent suicide. School personnel can recognize early signs of depression in a child. They can assist the families in seeking appropriate mental health services. Sch ools also play an important role by contributing to the quality of life of all students. Schools can increase students’ feelings of accomplishment and expectations for future success.An effective way to handle stress and depression in schools is to make a system which should be able to first identify the problem. The problem with adolescents can be identified through examining the results, behavior, and activities of under observation cases. After having identified the adolescents with symptoms of depression, causes of the problem need to be established. For this purpose counseling sessions with the affected students and interviews with the parents can help to a great extent. Then is the stage of treatment. There are two main avenues to treatment: psychotherapy and medication. Often, both may be required. The majority of mild depressions in teenagers respond to supportive psychotherapy with active listening, advice and encouragement. Relevant agencies can be contacted when de aling with issues of alcohol and substance abuse. Formal family therapy may be required to deal with specific problems or issues. Some serious situations where there is an immediate risk of self-neglect or suicide may necessitate the level of supervision and care that can be provided only in the hospitals (Skapinakis, 2003).ConclusionDepression does not affect the patients alone, but it puts an impact on the life of everyone around them, too. Someone who is depressed can be very difficult and draining to deal with. The problem is aggravated when it comes to the cases involving children and adolescent. Depression in adolescents is greatly under diagnosed, leading to serious difficulties in school, work and personal adjustment which often continue into adulthood. The suicide rate for adolescents has increased more than 200% over the last decade. Recent studies have shown that greater than 20% of adolescents in the general population have emotional problems and one-third of adolescents attending psychiatric clinics suffer from depression (Blackman, 1995). Among those adolescents who suffer from major depression, up to 7% eventually commit suicide (Cash, 2001).Stress and depression influence every facet of patient’s life. Education is the most affected of all. Schools play an important role by providing a supportive and nurturing climate for student development. By celebrating the accomplishments and successes of all students, schools can contribute to the development of positive self-esteem. Schools can develop a system which automatically identifies the students suffering from depression and then make all out efforts to eradicate this menace from the young minds that bear the future of our nation.BibliographyBlackman, Maurice. (1995). Adolescent Depression. The Canadian Journal of CME. Retrieved January 26, 2006, from mentalhealth.com/mag1/p51-dp01.htmlCash, R. E. (2001). Depression in children and adolescents: Information for families and educators. Soci al/Emotional Development. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved April, 21, 2003, from naspcenter.org/pdf/social%20template.pdfCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003, April). Suicide in the United States. Washington, DC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Control and Prevention. Retrieved April, 21, 2003, from cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/suifacts.htmCurry, J. F. (2001). Specific psychotherapies for childhood and adolescent depression. Biological Psychiatry, 49(12), 1091–1100.Depression. (n.d.). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Retrieved January 26, 2006, from Answers.com Web site: answers.com/topic/clinical-depression