Depression in Adolescents and The Benefits

of Teaching Teens How To Cope With

Their Emotions

By Christopher Colon Commented [1]: +ccolon18@blackstoneacademy.org

+tbryant@blackstoneacademy.org Nice work, Chris!
Signed off!
Tasche Bryant

Senior Seminar

January 17, 2018

Intro
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Depression is a mental illness that is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Depression accounts for 800,000 suicides per year. This mental illness can be difficult to

diagnose in teens due to their emotional nature. Depression can cause teens to develop drug

addictions, to think negatively about themselves, and experience intense emotions. Yet, there are

various solutions that teenagers can benefit from. Teaching teens how to cope with emotions, for

example, is fundamental to their mental health. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers are

aware that teaching adolescents to have a better understanding of their own feelings is crucial so

that they won’t be enveloped by their own emotions.

Background Section

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental condition caused by the abnormal effect of hormones in the brain.

It causes a person to feel a constant feeling of melancholy and think negatively about themselves.

The American Psychiatric Association stated, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a

common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, the way a person

thinks and how they act…, Depression causes feeling of sadness/ or a loss of interest” (American

Psychiatric Association). This mental illness can cause people to feel doubtful of themselves

mentally and has an impact on one's emotions. Additionally, “Depression affects an estimated

one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience

depression at some time in their life. Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first

appears during the late teens to mid-20s”(American Psychiatric Association). This shows that

depression can affect anyone at any moment but it mostly appears in adolescents and in the first

years of adulthood.
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According to the Mental Health Foundation depression is, “a common mental disorder

that causes people to experience a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt

or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration” (Mental

Health Foundation). Those affected by depression are experiencing levels of unhappiness, have a

lack of motivation to do anything, and feel self conscious about themselves. Overall, Depression

is a mental condition that affects the mood, and state of mind a person is in. It can cause people

to experience a constant feeling of gloominess and lack of motivation.

History of Depression

The year depression began totals back to the year 2000 B.C. it was referred to at the time

as melancholia. Most mental illness were taken as a spiritual factor. According to the article,

“Historical Understanding of Depression” it states, “ At this time, all mental illnesses were

attributed to demonic possession, and were attended to by priests. In contrast, a separate class of

"physicians" treated physical injuries (but not conditions like depression). The first historical

understanding of depression was thus that depression was a spiritual (or mental) illness rather

than a physical one.” (Reiss). During that era physicians didn’t have any tools to truly decipher

what was wrong with the patients so they tied most of the mental illnesses to demonic

possession. Physicians believed mental illness was connected with spirits. Moreover, in the 14th

century in Europe they deemed mental illness had an effect on mental development. In doing so,

they had to began killing people who were mentally ill. As Reiss states, “witch-hunts and

executions of the mentally ill were quite common throughout Europe”(Reiss). Due to the

different views of people during that point of time, the views of mental illness was deemed evil

and was associated with witches. With that assumption put into place it caused mentally ill

people to be executed.
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On the contrary, today mental illness is taken more seriously now than in earlier decades

and people are accepting of mental illnesses. For example, “10 times more people suffer from

major depression now than in 1945” (Understanding Clinical Depression). The rate this mental

illness has been increasing due to the fact that more people have come to acknowledge it as an

issue. With acknowledging the issue people can come to an understanding that the mental illness

can occur in anyone. Also people will be affected by this type of illness at some point of time in

their lives.

Summing up, mental illness was taken to be as a spiritual factor than a physical one and

people were executed because of mental illness. Although, mental illness has begun to be taken

more seriously now given the fact that it’s affects a massive amount of people.

General Causes of Depression

The causes of depression are life changing events, medical conditions, negative thinking,

and genetics. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Depression Center states,

“Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics,

changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life

circumstances” (University of Michigan Depression Center). This shows that there are various

causes of depression which are, an abnormal change in the human body, fluctuating emotions,

and sorrow. In other cases, “Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional

abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that make a person more susceptible to

depression” (Mayo Clinic). This shows that tragic events in the past, and physical and mental

abuse can have an effect on the brain which can factor into a person developing depression. In

brief, the causes of depression are tragic life changing events during childhood, medical

conditions, and genetics.

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Section One: The Effects Depression has on Teens

Depression is a worldwide problem when it comes to mental illnesses and has a major

impact on adolescents. For example, “Each year, approximately 5,000 young people ages 15-24

kill themselves” (Mental Health America). The statistics show that a massive amount of

adolescents are taking their life and the ages range from 15-24. Additionally, “Depression

represents a significant health concern and is associated with considerable suffering and

functional impairment” (Cook). This shows that depression can be disabling and debilitating.

Thus, depression is a mental illness that has an impact globally and is recognized as major issue

that affects adolescents.

Adolescents with depression are prone to do drugs and are at a risk to develop chronic

diseases. For example, “ Depression has shown to often coexist with other psychiatric disorders,

such as substance abuse or anxiety disorders” (Ballas). This shows that adolescents dealing with

depression have a higher risk of developing a drug addiction. Moreover, “Many depressed teens

also suffer from problems with anxiety and substance use”(UCSF Depression Center).

Teenagers suffering from depression also deal with problems of low self esteem, and drug use.

Overall, adolescents that suffer from depression are at higher risk of developing a drug addiction

and prone to developing chronic diseases.

Teens affected by depression will experience consistent emotions of uncertainty,

melancholy, and negativity. According to Mental Health America, “A person with depression

will experience intense emotions of anxiety, hopelessness and negativity” (Mental Health

America). The person affected will constantly experience an a variety of feelings that affects

their mindset. Moreover, “Depression is characterized by more extreme feelings of

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hopelessness, sadness, isolation, worry, withdrawal and worthlessness that last for two weeks or

more” (Walker). This shows that depression is portrayed as extreme emotions of anguish,

confinement, and low self esteem. Summing up, teenagers affected by depression will undergo

persistent emotions of denial, worriement, and confinement.

Adolescents who are depressed develop a variety of symptoms. For example,

”Depression in children is often mistaken for moodiness or a bad temper because depressed

children can become grumpy, angry, and irritable, while all the while denying that they feel

depressed or down” (UCSF Depression Center). Depressed adolescents are difficult to read

because they can be deemed moody. Additionally, “There are often feelings of guilt, tearfulness,

low self-esteem, low energy, poor concentration, as well as thoughts of death or suicide” ( UCSF

Depression Center). This shows that symptoms of depression can vary from feelings of

worthlessness, lack of energy,difficulty to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts. In the end,

adolescents that suffer from depression can develop an array of symptoms.

Depression is affected by abnormal hormones in the brain. In his book, Why Zebras Don't

Get Ulcers, Sapolsky states “Depression is when your cortex in the brain thinks of a negative

thought and manages to convince the rest of the brain that it is a real and physical

stressor”(Sapolsky). When a person is a depressed it is due to the abnormal effect of hormones

within the brain. Furthermore, “Major Depression is a genetic/neurochemical disorder requiring

a strong environmental trigger whose characteristic manifestation is an inability to appreciate

sunsets” (Sapolsky). This shows that depression is deemed to be a mental illness that is a

disorder which takes aways a person ability to be appreciative. In brief, depression is a mental

illness affected by neurochemicals and genetics.

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When dealing with depression people have a fluctuation of emotions. For example,

“People with Depression see things in a distorted way and that strengthens the feeling”

(Sapolsky). This shows that people coping with depression view things in a rather disfigured way

that causes them to be emotionally unstable. Additionally, In one type of depression, Unipolar

Depression, “the sufferer fluctuates from feeling extremely depressed to feeling reasonably

normally” (Sapolsky). A person dealing with this type of depression tends to alternate from

being normal and feeling depressed. Hence, people dealing with depression can alternate from

various emotions.

As a result, depression is a worldwide issue and can cause people to rely on different

resources that will try to help them cope with depression. Therefore, it’s crucial that depression

is taken seriously with teenagers.

Section Two: Benefits of Teaching Teens How to Cope with Their Own Emotions

Programs that deal with adolescents that are experiencing depression, can help them

grasp a better understanding of their emotions. For instance, “Programs with interventions by

trained experts or psychologists have been known to have more success than programs by non

mental health professionals”(Cook). This proves that programs are effective if targeted for those

who have depression. Additionally, “Programs that target children with depressed parents are

more effective” (Cook). This shows that adolescents who have parents who are affected by

depression will also benefit from these programs . To sum it up, having programs that heed to

adolescents suffering from depression are beneficial and is effective in supporting teens in

becoming aware of their own feelings.

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Teaching courses regarding self empowerment can help support adolescents. For

example, “Stanford courses like “The Art of Self-Coaching” draw on the latest emotion science,

positive psychology and mindfulness training¨ (Harvard Business Review). Incorporating self

motivational courses in the educational systems can help boost a teenager’s self esteems and help

prevent the negative effects of depression. Moreover, “ The investment in the education of

children’s “non-cognitive” skills — like motivation, perseverance, and self-control — is a cost-

effective approach to increasing the quality and productivity of the workforce”(Harvard Business

Review). Given that the generation of adolescents will be the future leaders one day, it is

imperative that they learn to use skills that will help them excel in their life. Overall,

incorporating non-cognitive skills into an educational setting can assist adolescents in becoming

successful.

Becoming aware of one's emotions can help prevent teens from making risky decisions.

For example, “Make a habit of tuning in to how you feel in different situations throughout the

day” (Teen Health). This proves that through being aware of one’s surroundings and how they

feel it can assist in coping with emotions. Furthermore, according to a study taken by “School

and Health Programs”, “49.8% of districts required each school to have someone to oversee or

coordinate mental health and social services at the school, and 76.8% of schools had a person

who oversees or coordinates standard mental health or social services at the school ” (SHPPS).

This study shows that in schools adolescents can seek professional help from either a counselor

or a psychologist. Thus, having a better understanding of one’s feelings and emotions can

affect the choices that an adolescent can make and help prevent them from making decisions

with possible crucial consequences.

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Attending programs that help boost non-cognitive skills can increase communication

skills and management skills. For example, Harvard Business Review studied a program that did

social and emotional learning found that, “There are real benefits, such as more effective

leadership skills, stronger friendships and connections to teachers, better conflict management

skills, and greater academic achievement than children who do not receive the training” (Harvard

Business Review). This shows that people who have undergone the program have improved

compared to those who didn’t attend the program. Moreover, during a self empowerment class at

Stanford a student stated, “Something as simple as learning to manage my micro-expressions

— a frown or a smile — has made me a more empathic and effective leader”(Ahmadi). This

proves that attending the programs can have an impact on a person’s cognitive skills and

attributes. Programs that boost non-cognitive skills can assist adolescents in developing

leadership, social skill, and intrapersonal skills.

Proper guidance/counseling can help teens from being negative and having a low self

esteem. According to the Association of American Educators, “As previously stated, teenagers’

brains and bodies are still in development, and as such, they need guidance and counseling to

properly cope with negative feelings, emotions, and situations” (Association of American

Educators). Having viable options to speak to a professional who’s an expert on depression will

be essential in guiding teens to endure negative emotions. Additionally, “Children who grow up

into adults who are not able to navigate emotions effectively will be at a major

disadvantage”(David). This quote proves that teens who have no guidance will be at a

disadvantage as time goes by. Supervising a teen in their development of coming to understand

their emotions can help teens from being at a disadvantage of having no knowledge of their

emotions.
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Encouragement helps adolescents improve their self esteem. For example, “Affirming

and acknowledging your teenager’s emotional development is an often-overlooked aspect of

parent education for teens.When teenagers achieve or attain a goal their self-esteem is

strengthened. By acknowledging and affirming achievement, parents further bolster the self-

concept of their kids” (Understanding Teenagers). This shows that through positive

encouragement it can have an impact on an adolescents mindset. Furthermore, “When it comes

to learning parents help their teens not only by acknowledging academic grades but also their

emotional resilience, problem solving, and personal growth in dealing with difficult emotions”

(Understanding Teenagers). Parents that are constantly involved in their child’s life and

acknowledge their positive feats will help teens in their personal growth as an all around person.

Encouraging teens can help improve their emotional and personal development.

Therefore, it’s beneficial for adolescents to attend programs that target depression, be

educated about self empowerment, have proper guidance from counselors to help direct them in

a positive path, and receive positive reinforcement to help teens have a better understanding of

their own emotions.

Section Three: Solutions for Teens Dealing with Depression

Recognizing the symptoms of depression can help prevent further issues. According to a

program, Family and Friends, “Recognizing and treating major depression can reduce negative

future impact” (Family & Friends). Being able to identify the symptoms of a person dealing with

this mental illness can be crucial in avoiding any further negative issues in the future.

Furthermore, “Younger children may simply complain about aches throughout their bodies, tell

adults that they are “always bored,” and stop interacting with their friends at school. Depression
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in children is often mistaken for moodiness or a bad temper because depressed children can

become grumpy, angry, and irritable, while all the while denying that they feel depressed or

down.”(UCSF Depression Center). It is imperative that family and friends are able to identify the

symptoms of depression to help prevent any further negative effects.

Providing aid/help to person suffering from depression can help motivate them. Having

moral support can help show a depressed person realize that their are people who care about

them. According to the Teen Mental Health, “Moral Support from family and friends are needed

if you know someone who’s diagnosed with depression” (Teen Mental Health). Being able to

have a support system from close friends and love ones can help a person suffering from

depression. Although, if the symptoms become serious it is crucial that supporters call 911.

According to International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression, encourages

friends and family members to offer their support by, “Offering assistance to the person who is

depressed and if the symptoms become serious call 911” (IFRED). In sum, Offering moral

support and giving it is a way of aiding someone suffering from this mental illness.

Getting medical treatment is a way of helping depressed individuals. For example,

“Shock therapy has been used to alleviate major depression from a depressed person”

(Sapolsky). This shows that this type of medical treatment is a way to relieve a person suffering

from depression. Another form of medical treatment is antidepressants. In his book, Why

Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, Sapolsky states, “Some antidepressants take weeks to take effect to

alleviate the stress from a depressed person” (Sapolsky). Although, seeking medical attention is a

way of helping a depressed person there are a few medications that take lengthy periods of time

to take full of effect to help reduce stress. Receiving and getting medical help is a form of aiding

people suffering depression.

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Receiving therapy is effective for treating depression. A study conducted at the

University of Michigan’s University Health Services showed, “Research shows that several

forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, are as

effective as medication for treatment of mild to moderate depression”(University of Michigan’s

University Health Services). This shows that various therapeutic treatments can be effective in

treating depression. Moreover, “Psychological Therapy can be a way to help teens cope with

their emotions” (Mayo Clinic) . Receiving this type of treatment can help aid adolescents in

understanding and coping with their own emotions. Getting therapeutic treatment can be

effective in helping depressed individuals and treating depression.

Being active can help boost self esteem. For example, “Research on depression, anxiety

and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help

improve mood and reduce anxiety” (Mayo Clinic). This shows that applying an active lifestyle in

one’s life will not only benefit them physically but it will help them mentally as well. Moreover,

“The improvement in brain function makes you feel better. In people who are depressed,

neuroscientists have noticed that the hippocampus in the brain—the region that helps regulate

mood—is smaller. Exercise supports nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, improving nerve cell

connections, which helps relieve depression” (Miller). Through physical activity it helps

improve areas in the brain and alleviates depression. Applying an active lifestyle can help an

individual suffering from depression mentally and physically.

Withdrawing from use of alcohol and drugs can help prevent one from developing

depression. For example, “According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

(NIAAA), depression can arise and increase during a battle with alcoholism. This increase in

depression can then lead to more drinking, thus perpetuating this cycle from the other angle”
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(NIAA). This shows that through addictions depression can grow stronger and the individual

suffering from it will continue to suffer from it for lengthy amounts of time. Furthermore,

“Medications, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed to help treat depression. If you drink

and take antidepressants at the same time, the result can be dangerous. For one, alcohol can

reduce the beneficial effects of the antidepressant”(Ulifeline). This shows that taking prescribed

drugs and drinking at the same time can be risky. To sum it up withdrawing from the use of

alcohol and drugs can help prevent depression.

Overall, the solutions teens can use in order to cope with depression are, getting moral

support from family and friends, receiving medical treatment, therapy, exercise, and refraining

from the use of alcohol and drugs.

Counter Arguments:

Some may argue that teens are at the point in their lives where they have a fluctuation of

emotions and they’re just going through a “phase”. According to the UCSF Depression Center,

“Depression in children is often mistaken for moodiness or a bad temper because depressed

children can become grumpy, angry, and irritable, while all the while denying that they feel

depressed or down” (UCSF Depression Center). It can be difficult to diagnose depression in

adolescents because a depressed individual will experience an array of emotions and deny

they’re feeling depressed. However, even though it’s difficult to diagnose depression in

individuals, it’s still possible to recognize their symptoms. For example, “Some symptoms of

depression are, there are often feelings of guilt, tearfulness, low self-esteem, low energy, poor

concentration, as well as thoughts of death or suicide”(UCSF Depression Center). Theses

symptoms of depression are easy to recognize if the problems are clear enough. Therefore,
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adolescents need way to learn to cope with their feelings even though it may be difficult to

diagnose.

Others may argue that teens are just ¨moody¨ due to physical changes from puberty.

However, not taking an adolescents emotions seriously can cause their symptoms to worsen

overtime. In an article, “Normal teenage behaviour vs. early warning signs of mental illness” by

Jamie Byrne stated, ¨As with any illness, not getting the appropriate treatment prolongs the

symptoms, which will likely get worse with time. Being open, honest and non-judgmental with

your teenager about his or her difficulties will help you to be more in tune with his or her needs

and facilitate a trusting relationship between the two of you¨ (Byrne). Without proper

understanding of the symptoms of depression in an adolescent and getting proper treatment it can

prolong the symptoms which can become worse overtime. Moreover, realizing a change in the

teens behavior can help show that there's an issue. For example, ¨ With teens, while spending

more time with and confiding in peers is a normal part of growing up, significantly avoiding

parents, abandoning long-time friendships for a new set of peers or expressing excessive hostility

toward family members, may indicate that the teen is experiencing significant stress. While

negative behavior is not always linked to excessive stress, negative changes in behavior are

almost always a clear indication that something is wrong¨ (American Psychological Association).

With these various negative symptoms occurring in a teens behavior it can be a clear indication

that thereś an issue. Overall, Adults need to take adolescents emotions seriously because if they

don't receive proper treatment then it will lead to possible negative repercussions.

Conclusion

Overall, teaching adolescents how to cope with their emotions is beneficial to their

mental health. Learning skills to interact with others and attending self empowerment courses
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can help boost an adolescents mood. Without proper treatment adolescents are at risk of taking

their life and developing a drug addiction. Although, with moral support from loved ones, and

therapy teens suffering from depression can be alleviated from it. Furthermore, it is imperative

that teachers are aware that teaching adolescents to have a better understanding of their own

feelings is crucial so that they won’t be enveloped by their own emotions.

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