Rehab for Teenage Depression

Rehab for Teenage Depression for Healing and Recovery

As a parent, it isn’t easy to know if your teen is simply struggling with typical age-related moodiness or, instead, may be suffering from a serious mood disorder that can threaten their entire well-being.  It is well known that the teen years are rife with extreme fluctuations in mood, lots of drama, and bouncing hormone levels fueling all this angst.  But when symptoms of depression persist, unresponsive to standard treatment protocols, it is time to consider rehab for teenage depression.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that an estimated 2.8 million adolescents suffered a major depressive episode in 2014, or 11.4% of teens between the ages of 12-17.  More recently, new data presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in San Francisco revealed that the number of children and teens admitted to children’s hospitals for thoughts of suicide or self-harm more than doubled in the last ten years.  There is an urgent need to intervene early rather than later when a young person is demonstrating the telltale signs of major depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Teenage Depression

If a cluster of the following symptoms lingers for more than two weeks, a thorough physical and mental evaluation is in order:

• Prolonged feelings of sadness, which can include intermittent crying spells for no apparent reason
• Agitation or restlessness; inability to sit still
• Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of emptiness
• Irritable or annoyed mood, anger
• Lack of energy; apathy
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Sleep disturbances, either difficulty getting or staying asleep or sleeping excessively
• Feelings of frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Neglecting family and friends; isolation
• Low self-esteem
• Neglected appearance
• School performance suffers
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
• Trouble concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide; self harm

What are Contributing Factors in Teen Depression?

• Childhood trauma. When a young person witnesses or experiences a traumatic event such as loss of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, a serious auto accident, or a natural catastrophe, it can trigger changes in brain chemistry that may result in depression.
• Academic pressure. In recent years the intense academic pressure placed on young teens has driven up anxiety and depression rates.  The push for college admissions begins as early as 8^th grade in some states, adding undue stress to adolescents who may not yet know their career goals.
• There is evidence that depression can be prevalent in families.  If other members of the family struggle with depression, your teen may be predisposed to also be affected by the mood disorder.
• Social anxiety and bullying. Peer pressure and attempting to fit in can lead to a sense of being an outcast or somehow inferior among peers.  Adolescents are notoriously hard on each other; criticizing and bullying are all too common, which can lead to depression.
• Social media and graphic shows. With the advent of social media a teen can be mocked or lambasted across multiple social media feeds where harsh comments only exacerbate the emotional pain caused.  Also, there are television shows, such as 13 Reasons Why, Secret Cutting, and Perfection that are centered on suicide or cutting, as well as assorted websites that glorify self-harm.
• Romantic breakups. During the hormonally charged teen years, powerful emotions and romantic attachments can be difficult to manage.  When disappointment presents itself after a break-up or unrequited feelings, depression can result.
• The break-up of a teen’s family can have devastating effects on all members of the family, but hit the teen especially hard.  During adolescence, teens need stability and a sense that they can rely on their parents for a safe, peaceful home environment, so when it is shattered by divorced, many teens fall into a depression.

What is Rehab for Teenage Depression and How Does it Work?

When the symptoms of depression are not mitigated by the use of antidepressants and talk therapy, it may be time to seek out a higher level of treatment, such as a rehab for depression dedicated to treating teenage-specific depression.  These inpatient facilities will provide the safe, supportive environment necessary for stabilizing the teen’s emotional state.  There will be a comprehensive psychological evaluation, as well as physical exam, to determine the specific mental health needs of the teen.

By being removed from the various factors that may be contributing to the depression, the teen is more able to focus on treatment.  Inpatient depression treatment involves a comprehensive program of individual psychotherapy sessions combined with group therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, recreational therapy, mindfulness exercises, yoga, crafts, meditation, equine therapy, and music therapy.  Medication management is also intrinsic to inpatient treatment for depression.

The Treatment Specialist offers Resources for Rehab for Teenage Depression

The Treatment Specialist offers resources for rehab for teenage depression.  Call now for a free insurance check and connect to a treatment center today at (866) 644-7911 and we will get the help your teen deserves. Receive the leading care for your teen in a private rehab for teens in California near Los Angeles.