Adolescence is a crucial time in a person’s life when they go through various physical, emotional, and social changes. It is during this period that many adolescents start to experience symptoms of depression.

According to a report by the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 3.1 million adolescents between the ages of 12-17 years had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. Depression is a serious mental health illness that needs to be addressed and treated to prevent it from impacting a person’s life negatively.

Hormonal Changes and Depression

One of the primary reasons why adolescence can increase the risk of depression is due to hormonal changes in the body. During adolescence, the body goes through significant hormonal changes that can impact a person’s mood, behavior, and emotions.

The changes in hormones can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability that can lead to depression over time. The hormonal changes are not just limited to girls but also affect boys who can also undergo mood swings and experience depressive symptoms.

Adolescents are also exposed to intense peer pressure during this period, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and vulnerability.

For instance, adolescents may feel compelled to meet unrealistic expectations in terms of physical appearance, academic performance, and social status. Social media can also exacerbate such feelings by putting pressure on adolescents to project a certain image online.

The constant comparison with others can lead to depressive symptoms, and some adolescents may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers.

Changes in Brain Development

The adolescent brain undergoes significant changes that can make them more susceptible to depression. Brain development during this period involves reorganization, pruning of connections, and the strengthening of neural pathways.

Such activities are associated with cognitive, emotional, and social processing, and it’s possible that the changes in these areas can make adolescents more vulnerable to depression. In particular, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control, rational thinking, and decision making, is not fully developed during adolescence, making adolescents more prone to impulsivity, risky behavior, and negative emotions.

Stressful Life Events

Adolescents can also experience stressful life events such as moving to a new city, parental divorce, or the death of a loved one, which can increase their risk of depression.

Some adolescents may lack the emotional and social skills to cope with such events, making them more susceptible to developing depression. Such events can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can worsen depression symptoms.

Inadequate Sleep and Exercise

Sleep deprivation and lack of physical activity can also contribute to depression during adolescence. Adolescents need more sleep than adults, and inadequate sleep can negatively impact their mood, ability to learn, and decision making.

A lack of physical exercise can also lead to depression symptoms, as physical activity is known to release endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Substance Abuse

Adolescents who engage in substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol are also at a higher risk of developing depression. Substance abuse can worsen existing depressive symptoms or trigger new ones.

It can also impact a person’s ability to function in daily life, creating more stress and anxiety.

Genetics and Family History

Finally, genetics and family history can also increase the risk of depression during adolescence.

Adolescents with a family history of depression or other mental health illnesses are more likely to develop depression themselves due to genetic or environmental factors. Adolescent depression can also be due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors, suggesting that there may be a genetic predisposition to depression.

Conclusion

Adolescence is a vital time in a person’s life, but it is also a period of significant change, which can increase the risk of depression.

Hormonal changes, peer pressure, changes in brain development, stressful life events, inadequate sleep and exercise, substance abuse, and genetics can all play a role in the development of depression in adolescents. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent depression from causing long-term damage to a person’s life and wellbeing.