Depression is the most widespread mental health disorder among teens in the United States. Statistics show the “numbers” of the sickness and that is crucial to know because the one you love can become one. Statistics are there so people can open their eyes to the endless risks and immediately go look for help. Here are some of the numbers of teen depression, hopefully eyes and minds will open.
- About 20 percent of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood.
- Between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of teen depression at any one time.
- About 5 percent of teens are suffering from major depression at any one time. As many as 8.3 percent of teens suffer from depression for at least a year at a time, compared to about 5.3 percent of the general population.
- Most teens with depression will suffer from more than one episode. 20 to 40 percent will have more than one episode within two years, and 70 percent will have more than one episode before adulthood. Episodes of teen depression generally last about 8 months.
- Dysthymia, a type of mild, long-lasting depression, affects about 2 percent of teens, and about the same percentage of teens develop bipolar disorder in their late teenage years. 15 percent of teens with depression eventually develop bipolar disorder.
- A small percent of teens also suffer from seasonal depression, usually during the winter months in higher latitudes.
Clearly there are no symptoms of suicide besides death, but there are many factors that increase the risk of suicide. These factors must be known and analyzed before confronting a victim of suicidal thoughts. Being familiar with these factors can make a world of a difference in combating and helping the one you love. Here are some factors that will increase the risk of suicide.
- Depression or feelings of loneliness or helplessness
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- A family history of abuse, suicide, or violence
- Previous suicide attempts; almost half of teens who commit suicide had attempted suicide previously
- A recent loss such as a death, break-up, or parents’ divorce
- Illness or disability
- Stress over school, relationships, performance expectations, etc.
- Fear of ridicule for getting help for problems
- Being bullied or being a bully
- Exposure to other teens committing suicide, such as at school or in the media
- Access to firearms or other lethal objects
- A belief that suicide is noble
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Two statistics stand out the most to me. The first one is 70 percent of teens will have more than one episode before adulthood. The second one is 15 percent of teens with depression eventually develop bipolar disorder. These statistics stand out the most to me because it shows how teens are not going to someone for help or the people around them aren't helping them with their problems. Now being aware of these factors that increase suicide and the number of teens it effects; parents, friends, teachers, and coaches of teens can help teens cope with these problems. I think that it is important for people to know these factors because if they know a teen who is suffering from these factors they can now help make a difference in that one person’s life.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that about 20 percent of teens experience depression before adulthood should be enough reason for parents to concern themselves and analyze what their children feel or the emotions that their children undergo. Considering the factors that increase the risk of suicide, I feel that parents, teachers, friends, and family should all become more aware of the things that teens go through so that they have a better understanding of what they are dealing with and be able to help the child in any way that it is possible. I personally fear that if the idea of any of the factors mentioned becomes ample enough to take over the child's life it would already be too late.
ReplyDeleteAllowing people to see the statistics for themselves can really be the eye opener one needs to see how much of a problem teen suicide and depression has truly become. Especially when a parent or guardian reads them they can become aware that their child can be a part of the statistics and lead them to build a better relationship with their teen. Reminding a child that has been exposed to one or more of the predisposing factors of teen depression that they are not alone can be the things that saves them in the end. Teens in todays society are faced with a lot of competition and struggles and need to be reminded that they have the people around them no matter how alone the feel. When the going gets tough, some teens might not be able to keep up and then see suicide as an outlet. By knowing the factors that can cause these feelings, one can be able to prevent the impulsive act of suicide and bring the teen back to a normal and happy lifestyle.
ReplyDelete