Som Adolescent Depression Research Paper

1899 Words8 Pages

Depression is a mental health condition marked by and extended sense of sadness and a despair that affects how a person thinks, functions and feels, it is also known as major depressive disorder. When having depression it could interfere with ones daily life and may prompt thoughts of suicide. Depression is very different then sadness and grief caused by a changed or challenging life experience, such as a divorce or death of a loved one. Depression affects people of all ages, races and socio-economic classes and it can come at any time of their lives. It is an illness that impacts the brain by changing the brains chemistry. Genetics, hormone levels, medical conditions, difficult life circumstances may participate in the changes in the brain chemistry. Depression is characterized as one of the most disabling disorders in the world according to The World Health Organization, affecting one in five women and one in ten women at …show more content…

Adolescents that have depression are at a higher risk for substance abuse, recurring depression and mental and emotional problems when coming an adult. Being a female and developing depression is a major risk factor. Woman have twice the rate of depression then men, when the woman has depression she may also be accompanied by eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, but men are more likely to die by suicide and women are twice as likely to attempt it. White men over the age of 85 have the highest rates of suicide then any other group. When men are depressed, drinking alcohol is a way they would mask the problem. Depending on the living situation that the adolescent is living in, is there any type of abuse, such as drug abuse, physical or verbal abuse. If they are in a bad situation, whom can they turn to, to get help when being in a abusive situation. When going to high school or college, is there anyone the adolescent can rely on for support or to have