Teen depression can lead to substance abuse as means of finding relief. Although there is a correspondence as between teen depression and teen suicide, not all teens who feel depressed will necessarily see suicide as a solution to the issues that are making them feel depressed.
People feel depressed quite simply when they have expectations and beliefs about how things should be in their world, together with a reality which does not match up to this “ideal” image.
When adults get depressed, they can often find ways to resolve their problems because they have more experience of life, more resources to fall back on, whereas young people facing depression are often still very dependent upon their family for financial, social and emotional support. Teens should be aware that holistic, supportive addict help is available to give them hope, when family systems fail, and are in disarray.
Studies have shown that the prime cause of depression in teens is in fact a perception of lack of support, emotional pressure, and general dysfunction in the home. External events, such as the failure of a relationship, loss of employment, failing an exam will be depressing to a teenager. However, they are unlikely to be completely devastated by external events and problems when the home environment is strong, positive and supportive.
When teens react strongly to disappointments in life with symptoms of clinical depression it usually is a warning sign that things are not OK at home. A teen might see a relationship as being the solution to all the problems that they have, they might see their job as their only escape from demanding family issues. Failing an exam might mean withdrawal of conditional “love” by the parents. If teens lose their avenues of escape, from an oppressive family environment, or are made to feel a “failure”, then naturally any depressive symptoms and feelings of hopelessness can become intensified.
Street gangs, drug use and anti social behavior would not be attractive to teens if they could find within their family group close relationship and support. Teens need support and addict help from an outside source when there is a perception that their family has failed them
Many people assume the teen years to be inevitably a time of open rebellion and hostility towards parents and authority figures. Needless to say if you ask teens what is it that they want most at this time – it is parental role models that they can respect – and authority figures who are worthy of respect.
When teens are sullen and rebellious it is generally because adult people in their lives are not providing support and leading by example as these teenagers need
The school holidays are always a good time to make opportunities to talk with your teen about issues that concern them. Although suicide is one of the leading causes of teen death in Canada, it is only when teenagers feel both depressed and hopeless (powerless to change their circumstances) that suicidal thoughts predominate. Knowing that a parent is willing to talk and is available can be the difference between teens feeling depressed and feeling suicidal.
If you are a teen and feel depressed – remember that holistic addict help and counseling is available for depression.
Situations are never hopeless when you use holistic methods to overcome depression, problems in the family or substance abuse. With confidential, holistic addict help and counseling, families and individuals can get all the help that is needed to overcome depression, substance abuse – and problems in the family.
Author: National Addiction Resources
America's Best Treatment Directory
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