Is Drug Use a Leading Factor in Teen Depression?

Depression is one of the most seen mental health concerns in teenagers. That said, not all teens will struggle with depression and other mental health concerns. Some factors might contribute to a teen having an increased risk of depression. Knowing more about these risk factors and the options for treatment might put you in a better position to help your teen before their mental health reaches a serious tipping point. Risk factors teens face for depression Genetics is one of the strongest risk factors teens face when it comes to mental health. If you or someone else in your family has struggled with depression, your teen could be at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. The good news is that if you or your family member are aware of depression and treatment options, you’ll be in a good position to help your teen once you see the signs of depression. Additional risk factors for depression may include the following.

Being bullied
Tensions and difficulties at home
Loss of a family member or someone close
Struggles with trauma and PTSD
Physical illness or disability
Low self-esteem
Substance use and abuse

Can you prevent teen depression? With an awareness of the risk factors, you can help your teen to navigate depression. We could simply try to avoid the risk factors in a perfect world. In reality, it can be hard to identify everything that could trigger depression and anxiety in your teen. Stepping in to help your teen as soon as you are able to recognize the signs of depression is one of the best steps that you can take. There are also a few lifestyle changes that may help to improve your teen’s ability to navigate and manage his depression.

A healthy diet, with the fruits and vegetables that help to ensure a balanced diet.
Getting plenty of sleep each night, preferably without the distraction of devices before falling asleep.
Staying physically active, whether that looks like hiking or participating in sports.
Maintaining friendships with those who provide a positive influence.
Encouraging open communication with parents.

It may not be entirely possible to prevent depression in every teen outright, but with an awareness of it and taking the right steps, you can help your teen work through it. Having a healthy body and a healthy relationship with his parents can help your teen feel better fortified as he tackles his mental health challenges. Treating teen depression When you think of treatment options for depression, you may think about talk therapy and prescription medications. While these are valid and effective options for some who struggle with depression, a few alternatives have seen great success. Medications are not always the right choice for every person struggling with depression, and not every person responds positively to medication. One non-medication option that has been successful is microcurrent neurofeedback. This treatment has been designed to treat issues that include depression and anxiety. Successful treatments have also been seen in those who struggle with PTSD and ADHD. Microcurrent neurofeedback is pain-free, safe, and non-invasive and has been used effectively in both children and adults. The treatment encourages the brain to adjust from established brain wave patterns to new patterns. After just a few treatments, patients report being able to sleep better, think more clearly, and have a sense of calmness. Speaking with mental health professionals about the options that may work for your teen is the best way to determine the right direction. If medications have been ineffective in treating your own depression, it might be helpful to share this information with the professionals treating your teenager. Is your teen using drugs? The signs of drug use in teens can vary between individuals. That said, there are some common signs parents should be aware of if they suspect their teens are using or abusing drugs. Broadly speaking, there could be changes in personality, physical appearance, behavior, and personal hygiene. Some of these signs could include the following.

Acting withdrawn, unmotivated, or depressed.
Sullen, uncommunicative or uncooperative and angry behavior.
Becoming secretive or hiding things.
Inability to focus or an increase in clumsiness.
Skipping school or no longer going to practice for sports once enjoyed.
Changing relationships with friends or family members.
Breaking curfew, running away, or hiding away in a locked room.
No longer taking regular showers, wearing clean clothes, or brushing hair.
Unusually lethargic, signs of track marks, nosebleeds, sores around the mouth, changes in weight, or changes in speech.

Changes in your teen’s behavior are to be expected as he learns more about the world around him. That said, you will recognize anything that is truly out of character and could be pointing toward depression, drug use, or something else entirely. Whether your teen is struggling with depression, drug use, or both, Liahona Academy can help. With treatment solutions that address the needs of the individual, we can help your teen work through the struggles he’s facing.

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