Effect of Depression in Adolescence
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Problems at school:
Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this
may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork
in a formerly good student.
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Running away: Many
depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts
are usually a cry for help.
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Drug and alcohol abuse:
Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their
depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse.
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Low self-esteem: Depression
can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and worthiness.
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Internet addiction: Teens
may go online to escape from their problems. But excessive computer use only increases
their isolation and makes them more depressed.
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Reckless behaviour:
Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviours, such as
reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex
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Violence: Some depressed
teens become violent
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Deterioration of Mental
health: Teens depression is also associated with a number of other mental
health problems, including eating disorders and self-injure.
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Suicidal tendency: The
biggest single cause for suicide in adolescence is depression. About 70 percent
of people who attempt or commit suicide suffer from depression
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