Importantly, adolescents need to know there are healthy ways to manage their mental health. As mentioned earlier, consumption of alcohol and substances are ineffective, just as hoping depressive symptoms will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms. A strategy to ruminate is exercising. Exercising releases ‘feel-good’ brain chemicals proven to relieve depression (neurotransmitters, endorphins and endocannabinoids) and also decreases immune system chemicals which degenerate depressive disorders. Research suggests that regular exercise …show more content…
It’s based on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. MBSR includes mindfulness tools, such as meditation, a body scan and hatha yoga, along with education about stress and assertiveness. Mindfulness, or paying full attention to the present moment, can be very helpful in improving the cognitive symptoms of depression. These debilitating symptoms include distorted thinking, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. Cognitive symptoms can impair all areas of a person’s life. For instance, poor concentration can interfere with your job or schoolwork. Negative thoughts can lead to negative emotions, deepening depression. Muscat suggested these techniques for teenagers suffering from depressive …show more content…
Yet for someone who suffers from a depressive disorder these methods will alleviate the overwhelming stresses of day-to-day life. Adolescents may not always be able to identify with what they are feeling at the time and may have thoughts of wanting to do something that will immediately relieve them of their dim feelings. Muscat says it is important for individuals to realise, “you cannot make thoughts disappear. Avoidance can help in the short term but sometimes trying to get rid of thoughts or particular feelings can increase distress and not help you in the longer term. Be aware that you are having those thoughts and feelings, it does not mean that those thoughts will eventuate…they are just thoughts, and you can engage in behaviours that will help you notice and move past those