How To Treat Teenage Depression Naturally

The very nature of adolescence is filled with unexplained mood swings and irrational thinking but sometimes the typical teenage angst becomes something else. Periods of sadness or anger that begin to interfere with daily functioning and symptoms that seem overwhelming can often be treated without the need for medication. There are many natural methods to fight teenage depression and warrant a try before the use of psychotropic medications.

5 Natural Cures For Depression

Depression and anxiety affect millions of people each year in the United States alone. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of apprehension and worry, depression by feelings of sadness and "the blues." If these feelings are severe you should seek professional help from a counselor or psychologist. However, there are a number of natural remedies you can try to alleviate milder symptoms.

Breathe Deeply

• It is as simple as it sounds and it can make a huge difference. Take a few minutes to just breathe deeply, holding each breath in for a few seconds before exhaling through your mouth. You will be cleansing yourself with a refreshing burst of oxygen that can fight anxiety and depression. Try 10 of these double deep breaths several times during the day and feel the difference.

5 Causes of Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is a diagnosed condition in which a patient has negative feelings, low energy, and a general disinterest for most life activities. The disorder typically interferes with normal daily functions and can reach the depths of suicidal thoughts and, unfortunately, completion. Although it affects some 18 million Americans each year, there are a variety of possible causes for major depressive disorder.

Personality

A University of Washington study conducted by the late psychology professor Neil Jacobsen revealed that personality type may play a major role in major depressive disorder. 78 people diagnosed with depression at least two years prior were studied and treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. During that therapy, their personality types were inventoried, and 44 percent of those patients had relapsed into depression. The people who were more likely to relapse were those who had aggressive personality types or had little dependence on other people. Researchers postulated that both personality types would leave little room for a social support system.

How to Use Anti Depression Foods Against Depression

Anti depression foods are those foods that provide an uplift to your mood and naturally battle depression. There are two types of anti depression foods, those that increase your energy through key nutrition and those that elevate your mood through essential amino acid.

Instructions

Foods that are high in anti depression vitamins.

The B group of vitamins is often deficient in victims of depression. So key anti depression foods are those that are high in these nutrients: Riboflavin or B2, Niacin or B3, Folic acid or B12, Biotin or B15, and Pyridoxine or B6. So a beginning list of anti depression foods should include: green leafy vegetables, fish, almonds, avocados, oranges, strawberries, yogurt, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

5 Causes of Depression in Teenagers

Depression is a mental health condition that can manifest itself in many ways, such as pessimistic or self-destructive behavior, a lack of interest in life and even suicide attempts. From an adult's perspective, the life of a teen may seem free from the responsibilities and financial concerns that are common causes of stress and depression, but there are many other factors that can contribute to depression among teens.

1. School

Problems with school can contribute greatly to depression among teenagers. There is often a lot of pressure on teens to perform well in classes from parents and teachers, so a failure to meet those expectations can cause emotional strain. Also, teens are often aware of the grades of other students---struggling with material that other students find easy can create feelings of inadequacy, which may contribute to depression.

How to Apply the DSM4 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression found in the general population. Characterized by constant feelings of sadness and hopelessness, major depressive disorder interferes with a person's enjoyment of life. It can also have a negative impact on a person's day-to-day responsibilities. The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM4) has a list of criteria one can apply to accurately recognize major depression.

Instructions

• Become aware of how long depressive symptoms have been present. The DSM4 criteria states that major depression is likely only if the symptoms have been constant for longer than 2 weeks.

• Recognize which symptoms have to be present for it to be considered major depression. According to the DSM4, a person has to experience either a depressed mood or a loss of interest in pleasurable activities for major depression to be considered as a possible diagnosis.

• Learn whether someone has been abusing drugs or alcohol. If this is the case, then any symptoms of depression may be a result of that abuse. Using the DSM4 criteria, this means major depression is not likely.

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• Watch for any negative effects the depression symptoms may have on a person's work, school or family life. Depression that interferes in any of these things falls under the DSM4 criteria for major depression.

• Keep abreast of major life changes that may affect a person's mood. The death of a loved one, a divorce, a major move or disruption in a person's career can all cause short-term depression. Under the DSM4 criteria, depression caused by any of these events would not be considered major depressive disorder.

• Observe the number of depression symptoms a person is experiencing. For the DSM4 criteria to apply, a person must have at least five of the following symptoms: change of appetite, weight loss not related to diet, insomnia, fatigue, impaired motor skills, daily feelings of low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating and suicidal thoughts.

Tips & Warnings

• While almost anyone can apply the DSM4 criteria to recognize major depressive disorder, only a qualified mental health professional can make an official diagnosis.
• If a person has experienced depression brought on by major life changes and this depression lasts for more than 2 months, then it may be considered major depression under the DSM4 criteria.