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Introduction
Depression in the youth is the state of aversion to activity or having low moods that affect their behavior, sense of bring, actions and thoughts. According to Gotlib and Hammen (2013), depression among the young people is marked by sad moments, feeling guilty, worthless, restlessness, anxiety and irritability. Among the youth in the middle adolescence, depression commonly causes despair, which can be a risk factor for several youth related problems. Depression and despair at this stage can lead to suicidal contemplations, chronic alienation and psychiatric disorders. If not checked, depression can ruin the life of a young person, especially when they engage in drugs and alcoholism. This paper will explore the relevant research on depression among the youth and discuss the information that relates to the problem.
The Research
The prevalence in the United States has increased and stands at an alarming level. According to National Institute of Mental Health (2014), about 11% of young people in an adolescent stage suffer from depression. By age 18, these numbers of adolescent have depressive disorder that persists within their teenage. According to a report by Child Stats (2014), the prevalence of depression in youth doubled from the year 2008 to 2011. The overall prevalence decreased from the year 2005 from 8.9% to 5.6% in 2008 but the same increased to the current report of 11% in adolescents.
In terms of gender, girls are at more likely to suffer from depression or experience depressive moments that their boy counterparts. Child Stats (2014) reported that in the period between 2005 and 2012, the prevalence of depression and depressive episodes reported in the united states, among the adolescent girls was twice as much as it was reported in boys. According to Child Stats (2014), the boys had a depression prevalence of about 5% to 6%for that time period while the girls had 10% to 12% prevalence. In terms of severe depressive disorders, the prevalence in girls was estimated at 7% to 8% in girls, which is double to that of the boys that was reported to be around 3% to 4% in the period between 2008 and 2012 (Child Stats, 2014).
Depression also changes with the age of a child in adolescence and into adulthood. According to National Institute of Mental Health (2014), the likelihood of depression increases with the age of a child. As the child gets older, the risk of depression increases. The World Health Organization survey reports that depressive disorders are the leading risk factors towards having disabled adolescents from the age of 15 to 44 years.
The Discussion
The increase in the prevalence rates is not surprising. This is because the current society is not socially cohesive enough, especially at the family level. According to Nolen and Hilt (2013) family members are busier with career and professional growth than the emotional growth of the teenagers. However, the research presents new information that should be considered; that the prevalence levels of depression are higher in girls than in boys. This means that the emotional well being of girls does not take care of as compared to the girls (Abela & Hankin, 2008). At the same time, more focus should be given to girls, especially with the physiological changes that they experience during adolescence.
With the current rates of prevalence threatening to increase in the future, it is important that the necessary steps be taken to alleviate further rise in depressive disorders. One of the steps that can be taken is to correct the depressive behaviors in adolescent before they lead to higher problems (Gotlib & Hammen, 2013). By addressing the depression at early stages, the risk of having major depressive disorder is limited. One of the most consistent symptoms to be noticed include poor concentration, loss of pleasure, silence and appetite changes among others (Class Notes, 2014). However, the main challenge towards early detection is lack of knowledge and ignorance among the adults.
According to National Institute of Mental Health (2014), the problem with adolescent disorders is that the adults do not notice the symptoms of depression. The challenge is because the normal or abnormal behaviors change from one adolescent to another. Therefore, changes in behavior are not easily noticed, especially when the child shows depressive behaviors (Abela & Hankin, 2008). Moreover, National Institute of Mental Health (2014) notes that the depressive behaviors are temporary and not persistent, which makes it challenging for adults to realize. In addition, there is a perception that youth does not experience depression because of a perceived lack of responsibilities. As a result, adolescents may experience depression for a long time without seeking help because their parents and teachers have not noticed.
Conclusion
The higher prevalence of depression in girls than in boys is one of the key take takeaways of the research. This shows that there is a neglect of the society on the emotional health of the girls compares to the boys. In addition, the increase in depression in adolescent over the years brings another perspective about depression. Due to these two takeaways, my feeling about depression has changed from the opinion that it is a light problem to a realization that it is a serious problem that needs a solution.
References
Abela, J.R., & Hankin, B.L (2008). Handbook of Depression in Children and Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press
Child Stats, 2014. America’s Young Adults: Special Issue, 2014. Retrieved From, <http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/health4.asp> November 28, 2014
Gotlib, I.H., & Hammen, C.L (2013). Handbook of Depression Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press
National Institute of Mental Health, 2014. Depression in Children and Adolescents (Fact Sheet) Retrieved From, <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/index.shtml> November 28, 2014
Nolen, S.H., & Hilt, LM. (2013). Handbook of Depression Adolescents. New York: Routledge Press