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Symptoms of Teen Depression
It is not uncommon on occasion for teens to experience "low days" or feelings of inadequacy compared to their peers or family members. However, for a depressed teen the feelings seem to surface more often than not. Many may experience symptoms that indicate significant depression, especially if these symptoms last for more than two weeks. Symptoms may include: - Poor performance in school
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Overreaction to criticism
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Substance abuse
- Depressed mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
- Problems with authority
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Anger and rage
- Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure
- Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
- Significant weight loss or gain
Teens may begin experimenting with alcohol or drugs in order to self-medicate, with the objective of feeling better about themselves. Many teens turn to sexual relationships to help them cope with their depression. These temporary "solutions" result in deeper feelings of depression, eventually leading to serious consequences and destroyed relationships with loved ones and authority figures. Many children suffering with teen depression become aggressive, hostile, and on some occasions take incredible risks, exposing both themselves and those around them to serious harm. How Top Flight Academy Can Help with Teen Depression
It is critical that depressed teens receive professional and appropriate treatment. Top Flight Academy provides intense individual therapy (often using a cognitive-behavioral approach) where teens learn to understand the link between negative thought patterns and painful, troubling feelings. They also learn how to deal with these feelings in appropriate, positive ways. In addition to individual therapy, students receive group therapy in a powerful positive peer culture setting where they learn to change negative behavior into positive behavior, hence developing healthier relationships with their peers and family members. Aviation training is also an intervention that is unique to Top Flight Academy. Through flight education and experience, students learn to trust themselves and build a strong foundation of self-esteem. It is powerful to witness the improvement in a student's outlook on life as they feel the accomplishments of piloting an airplane.
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