Genetics and Teen Depression

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Why should parents discuss genetics with their teenager?

Genetics and Teen Depression

During the teenage years, it is known many teens go through changes due to their hormones. Sometimes depression is not figured out right away by the family members. If depression runs in your family history, making your teenager aware of the sickness is suggested.

Discussing the symptoms, causes, and effects from depression allows the teen to realize if the symptoms do occur it is safe to speak with you about what they are feeling. Parents who explain to their teenagers about their genetics and family history of mental illness are understanding and open to discussing depression. Just like a physical sickness like Cancer which is passed through genetics, depression needs to be treated the same way.

By parents being open and explaining to your teenagers about depression, the more your teenagers will feel comfortable to come speak with you if they begin to find these feelings taking over their thoughts.

   

Comments

10/2/2006 2:26:55 PM
Christyn said:

These tips may seem simple, but are often overlooked. The hardest thing about depression can often be admitting it to others. When you feel like no one understands how hopeless you feel it is hard to reach out for help. At age 16 I was so depressed that I would cry myself to sleep every night. Deep down I knew that my life was not so bad, but I felt so sad all of the time. I didn't want to be around friends. I couldn't concentrate on school. Depression was taking over my life. It was hard for me to hide my depression, but I also felt so ashamed of it. One night, I got so tired of dealing with the constant sadness, I considered taking my own life. At that moment I knew that my mind was not healthy and I had to face my illness and get help. I told my mom that night that I had been feeling depressed for a long time and I needed help. Through this situation she told me that her mother, her sister, my father's mother, and herself had all dealt with depression and that I was not alone. It was a little comforting to know that it wasn't just me, but I wish that she would have told me that sooner. Knowing my family's history, I may not have been so scared to admit my illness, and been able to deal with it sooner. Now I am 24. I still deal with depression, but it has never been as bad as it was before I decided to fight it. My best advice is to never be ashamed of who you are or how you feel. And don't be afraid or even to proud to get help...no one is meant to live that way.




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