Representation: Depression

Children's mental health is a crucial component of their general well-being. Children's thoughts and behaviors are impacted. Also, it affects how kids deal with stress, interact with others, and make wise decisions. One of the various diseases marked by ongoing melancholy and a lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities is depression.

How depression affects teenagers

Teenagers who are depressed may shun their friends and family and isolate themselves, which can lead to a larger problem. Since it's all that matters to you, this qualifies as perfectionism as well. You start to overextend yourself and "criticize yourself" for it. You may avoid social events because you fear rejection or shame. This is also linked to low self-esteem. Going to gatherings outside of your house may be daunting if you don't always feel good about yourself.

Statistics from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As shown in this graph, we see young teenagers from ages 12 to 17 having depression. Unfortunately, it is sad to see young adolescence having to deal with these types of disorders. The article states, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Among children aged 6–17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012." Although it is treatable, depression can always recur at unforeseen moments.

Depression is one of the many disorders teenagers go through during their years of education. School may not be the reason for it, but it sure is a factor in it. Lilly was diagnosed with depression recently from the academic stress of trying to help her family as well as balancing her mental health. Her parents seek to get her a therapist to help with her condition.

Citations

Stevens, T. (2020, October 16). How to deal with school when you're a depressed or anxious teen? Talkspace. Retrieved from https://www.talkspace.com/blog/depressed-anxious-teens-school/ 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 3). Data and statistics on children's Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html