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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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02365.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02365}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Should I Do About Teenage Depression?}
$Subject{teenage depression teenager girls emotional adolescence children
withdrawal self-consciousness sadness mood changes swings disturbances women
mental emotional psychological condition conditions behavior behaviors girl
adolescent self-conscious moods swing disturbance depressed}
$Volume{E-23,S-23}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What Should I Do About Teenage Depression?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I don't know where to turn, or even if I have something to worry
about. However, I have noticed many changes in my teenage daughter of late,
and do not know if they mean anything special. What would the signs of a
depression look like in a teenager?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Because teenage girls are going through so many social, physical and
emotional changes, it is hard for parents to sort the normal difficulties from
those that need professional attention. Adolescence is a time of change for
parents and children, so there will be times of friction, anxiety and sadness.
These times do not last, however, and they are resolved by continuing
communication between parent and child.
The time to be concerned is when withdrawal, self-consciousness and
sadness are prolonged, and communication is limited or nonexistent.
Recognizing that adolescence is a time of change, it is just as important to
realize that it is a part of life, and that most teens cope with it without
withdrawing from others or suffering prolonged mood changes.
Women suffer more adult mood disturbances than men, and this finding is
consistent throughout the world. As you might expect, the reasons for this
are not agreed upon, with some feeling the differences are biological and some
feeling that social circumstances cause the difference. Regardless of the
reasons, your teenage daughter has a higher chance of having emotional
difficulty than your teenage son.
If your daughter is experiencing sleep disturbances, changes in eating
habits, loss of interest in her appearance, and withdrawal from friends and
family, she may be suffering depression. If her normal functioning is
disturbed by depression, she needs attention. School and work performance
will suffer, because depression zaps the energy that is required for good
performance.
Talk with school counselors or your family doctor if you are concerned
about your daughter. Though I have answered your question about depression,
drug abuse may also create a similar picture. This is not a time to hold
back; it is better to be wrong than sorry. Seek help now, from school
counselors, psychologists, or your private physician.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.