www.wearenotlosers.com

There are so many myths regarding teen depression that serve only to hinder proper diagnosis and treatment of the illness that it some are mistaken for fact. Let’s take a look at some of the facts:

Myth: Teenagers are moody by nature, but they don’t actually suffer from depression. Only adults get depressed.
Fact: Depression is not a respecter of age, gender, social or financial status. While normal adolescent development can mask true depression, teens are also at risk for this devastating mental illness.

Myth: If a teenager is depressed, it’s just a phase. They’ll grow out of it.
Fact: Depression is an illness which requires lifelong medical care. With suicide being the third leading cause of death in young people, treatment should be begun immediately.

Myth: It’s easy to tell if a teenager is depressed because they are just like younger adults.
Fact: Actually, depression presents itself differently in teenagers. While adults may feel bluesy and sad, teens more frequently report feeling nothing. Apathetic tendencies often lead to defiant and even risky behaviors as the teen attempts to feel.

Don’t wait to get help if you suspect that a teen is depressed. It is real and treatment can help.