Depression in teens is a common problem, according to a Journal of Abnormal Psychology study. In fact, this study found that both teenage boys and girls are susceptible to depression. Because of the large number of teens who struggle with depression, mental health drug addiction is on the rise. As a result, the need for a dual diagnosis treatment rehab is greater than ever before.
A Closer Look at Depression in Teens
The numbers for teenage depression don’t lie. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found a 53% increase in teens with major depression from 2005 to 2017. It also discovered a 63% increase in major depression in young adults over the same period.
These increases hit both males and females. However, the study showed that girls are more vulnerable to depression than males. In addition, NSDUH predicted that one out of every five teen girls will experience major depression over the next year.
Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there. With the increase in depression cases, there was an increase in suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. In short, depression in teens leads to drug abuse as a means to get relief.
Why Do Teens Suffer From Depression?
What’s the cause of depression in teens? Psychologists believe that a lot of it has to do with social anxiety. How teens interact with each other in the 2010s is much different from in years past.
Online bullying is on the rise. Much of the reason is that people feel like they can say whatever they want and remain anonymous. Despite that, harsh words affect those who are on the receiving end. Some teens fail to process and cope with this form of bullying.
Other experts believe that family trauma has a lot to do with the increase in teen depression. Problems within the family affect not only the adults but also the kids. Some adults are better at coping with this type of trauma than teens. In the end, their brains aren’t always able to process the trauma correctly.
Thankfully, a teen depression treatment center can help young adults better cope with trauma. Often, it’s the root cause of addiction as well. As a result, dealing with trauma is the first step in overcoming addiction.
Watch for Warning Signs
Most of the time, teens won’t admit to their parents that they have depression. Instead, it’s up to parents to watch out for warning signs. Some of the most typical ones include:
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Closing themselves off from friends and family
- Drop in school grades
- Loss of weight
Don’t Fight Addiction and Depression Separately
Depression in teens often leads to other mental and behavioral health problems, such as addiction. It’s important that teens get treatment for both issues at the same time. Fortunately, teen mental health treatment in North Carolina can help. When you search for a rehab center, some of the programs that it should have include:
- Residential rehab
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Trauma therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual and group therapy
Don’t let your teenage boy or girl fight addiction and mental health disorders alone. Fight back against substance abuse and depression in teens. Reach out to a rehab center today for help.