KARACHI:
Research has revealed that teen depression is a serious mental health problem and causes persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities. It affects the overall well-being and functioning of teenagers and can obstruct their growth and development. Although depression can occur at any age, the symptoms and causes among teenagers and adults can vary.
Most teenagers are faced with academic expectations, peer pressure, and hormonal changes that result in temporary emotional lows and highs. However, for some teenagers, these feelings can be a symptom of depression. To identify symptoms of depression in their children, parents must observe emotional changes such as unexplained sadness or crying, irritable mood, a lack of interest in recreational or usual activities, conflict with friends and family, etc. Behavioural changes can include insomnia or sleeping too much, changes in appetite, poor academic performance and absence from school, frequent angry outbursts, and others.
The generational gap between parents and children makes teenagers more prone to experiencing frustration, distress, or sadness. In Pakistan, the gap is further widened because of retrogressive norms, which prevent children from expressing their thoughts and feelings freely. Given the rising risk of teen depression and suicidal tendencies, parents must adopt friendly behaviour with their children, particularly teens and help them navigate their emotional and hormonal changes. If parents identify symptoms of depression but are unable to assist their children, they must seek professional help through therapists and psychiatrists to support their children better.
Urooj Sultan
Thatta
Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2022.
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