All in the course of one year, nearly 3 million teenagers in the United States were struck with a major bout of depression, a new federal study revealed.
Depression is a common but severe type of mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and handles everyday activities, including eating, working, or sleeping.
Teenagers and young adults, no matter how young, can suffer the symptoms of depression.
According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency that conducted the study, young people lose interest in activities and feel depressed for at least two weeks. They may find it difficult to sleep, eat, or focus on what they need to do.
Paolo del Vecchio, director of SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services, says adolescence is a crucial period for a person's development. Battling with the effects of depression can be even more upsetting for teens, unless they go through an effective treatment, he says.
Effective treatment against depression is available, but del Vecchio says teachers, members of the community and parents in particular must work to make sure that teens get all the help they need.
Depression In Teens By State
According to the SAMHSA report, the overall depression rate among young people increased to 11 percent from 2013 to 2014 — higher than the 9.9 percent rate for the past year.
Thirteen states in the U.S. saw statistically significant increases in the prevalence of major depressive episodes among adolescents, while 37 states and the District of Columbia experienced no noteworthy change.
In Oregon, the rate of major depressive episodes among those aged 12 to 17 years old was highest in all states, with a yearly average of 14.6 percent.
Other areas with high prevalence of major depressive disorder include Indiana, Arizona, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Utah, Wisconsin and Washington State.
On the other hand, the District of Columbia saw the lowest prevalence of depression with a yearly average of 8.7 percent. Rates were also low among teenagers in Connecticut, Alaska, Hawaii, Georgia, New Mexico, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Finding A Confidante
Multiple studies have found ways to battle the symptoms of depression.
A previous study suggests that having just one person as your trusted friend and confidante may help you recover from depression. In this study, researchers found that those who had closer ties and relationships with others were four times more likely to recover and achieve improved mental health.
Another study suggests that surrounding yourself and your home with plants may improve your overall mental health.
Photo: Sander van der Wel | Flickr
