Recognizing and Treating Teen Depression| Red Rock Canyon School

Recognizing teen depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
can be a daunting task to parent. Red Rock Canyon School provides some tips and support × Support
Support / sup·port/ n. Noun Support is defined as the act or instance of supporting; serve as a foundation for something else. Support can be given to many different ways. Through the encouragement to perform and progress and also through being there for someone who needs help. Support is usually shown through family and peers but can come from anywhere from support centers, rehab centers, and treatment centers. Without a support, confidence would be very difficult to find. Support is key to getting through trials and problems. The ability to have someone that is supporting you and encouraging you to move forward and progress is important to growth and change. Especially with youth, that as they are trying to find out who they are that they feel supported in all of their doings. This is important because as support and encouragement is shown the youth feel confident to become the best they can be.
to parent suspecting their child of dealing with depression. Teen depression manifest itself in different ways. For some teens, depression can manifest as anger and irritability, while others may display symptoms like apathy, avoidance or isolation. 

The following are some of the most common warning signs of teen depression:

 Sadness, anger, moodiness or irritabilityLoss of interest in activities once enjoyedSignificant changes in appetite, weight or sleep patternsLoss of energyFeelings of worthlessness or guiltDifficulty concentratingFrequent thoughts of death or suicideFrequent and unexplained headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tirednessFrequent absences from school or poor performance in schoolRunning away from homeWithdrawing from family or friendsAlcohol or drug abuseNeglect of personal hygiene, clothes or appearance”Depressed teens don’t believe life can be better because they are ill equipped to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle and are unable to see outside of their pain,” explained the therapeutic team at Red Rock Canyon School.  Too often teen drugs and alcohol × Alcohol
al·co·hol n.noun a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel. When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide. Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink. Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
usage are linked to depression. Teens may take it upon themselves to self medicate in order to deal with their pain, not realizing that these chemicals actually exacerbate the symptoms of depression rather than alleviating them.  

Red Rock Canyon Tips for Parents

 Though there are many reasons teens become depressed, a disconnection from their parents is a common contributor. This disconnect is often at the root of the withdrawal and isolation that are characteristic of teen depression, as teens have given up on developing a tight bond with their parents and others. A simple way to start is by spending quality time with their child, listening actively to what they have to say and showing their child that they enjoy their time together. In addition to spending time together and having fun as a family, it is important for parents to talk to their teens about what’s happening at school and with friends. They should also discuss the effects of substance abuse × Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse /sub.stance/ /a.buse/ Substance abuse is defined as the use of a chemical substance that has an effect on humans or animals improperly or in a negative view or purpose. Substances involve different types of drugs and also alcohol.  The misuse of a chemical substance can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different types of problems such as impairment and also distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent substance abuse, there are many  other problems that can occur.  A lack of interest in schooling and work can lead to failure fulfillment of roles and obligations in different settings of life.  Also, a poor performance in daily actions can be a cause. Substance abuse is a problem that is important to deal with in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life. More information about substance abuse in the US The national institute on drug abuse characterize substance abuse as, "as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.' When pertaining to the adolescent brain and psyche, substance abuse and addiction is one of the most dangerous and common negative behaviors in troubled youth. Teenagers who participate in drug abuse are either not aware of the potential permanent damage they are causing themselves, or simply don't care. It is because of this reason that parents of substance abusing teens need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter. Fortunately for parents, there is a multitude and increasing number of options to choose from in terms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, parents of substance abusing teens need to seek treatment for their teens promptly.
and how it relates to depression. Parents are also encouraged to ask themselves how they may be contributing to their child’s depression or other emotional and behavioral issues. Sometimes parents aren’t managing their own emotions well or are losing control in their interactions with their child, which sets a poor example. 

Treatment for Teen Depression

 There are a number of effective treatments for teen depression. A therapist or therapeutic treatment program can help families decide which approach will be most effective for a particular teen. Medication. Although antidepressant medications help many teens, sometimes it can be just to mask the underlying problem that the teen hasn’t dealt with yet. Often, by talking through the underlying issues and teaching teens new strategies to regulate their emotions and cope with stress, the symptoms of depression can become more manageable. If a teen is suffering from severe depression or their symptoms don’t improve after spending time in a natural environment × Environment
n.noun en·vi·ron·ment The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines environment as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. A person's environment, or social surroundings, have an enormous impact on the way that person thinks and operates. If a person is surrounded by negativity, he/she is more likely to replicate that negativity and display negative behaviors in other areas of life. The environment of a troubled teen can often be the root cause or factor in the troubled adolescent's negative behavior. When an impressionable teenage boy or girl is surrounded by negative peers, it is common for these teens to develop negative behaviors themselves. It is for this reason that parents should be aware of their child's social surroundings and environmental influences. If a teenage boy or girl is troubled, a total change in their environment may be in order. By replacing a troubled teen's negative environment with that of a therapeutic, nurturing and rehabilitative environment, troubled adolescents are able to emotional, therapeutic and behavioral restoration.
and making lifestyle changes, a psychiatric evaluation and course of antidepressant medication may be in order.  Talk Therapy × Therapy
n.noun ther·a·py Therapy is a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder or disease. Therapy generally consists of two kinds: medical and psychotherapy. Medical therapies treat diseases of the human body such as cancer. Psychotherapies treat the mind of therapeutically or emotionally damaged individuals. Different Types of Psychotherapy: - Psychoanalytic Therapy - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - Group Therapy - Behavior modification - Biofeedback - Collaborative therapy - Family therapy - Marriage counseling - Music therapy - Parent management training - Relationship counseling - Social Therapy - Systemic therapy - Therapeutic community - Twelve-step programs - Wilderness therapy Therapy for troubled teens has become an increasingly popular opportunity for troubled adolescents today. Therapies are offered at many services for troubled teens such as, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment programs and boarding schools for troubled youth. The most effective type of therapy greatly depends on the individual teen and what psychological and emotional issues the particular adolescent struggles with.
. Traditional talk therapy works for some teens, but the adolescent needs to view therapy as a resource, not an obligation they have to satisfy one hour a week. Teens who are resistant to treatment, aren’t making progress or are skipping therapy sessions altogether usually need a more intensive intervention.