Introduction
It is not unusual for young people to experience some lows as they adjust to their teenage years. These years are quite unsettling due to the body changes, search for identity and the academic pressures that adolescents have to deal with. However, when the lows become a persistent part of the teenager's life, it is termed as depression (Evans &Schumacher, 2002). Adolescent depression is a psychological disorder that affects the manner in which adolescents behave, think, or perceive the world. This paper aims to answer two major questions surrounding adolescent depression; 1. What factors contribute to adolescent depression? 2. What is the impact of adolescent depression on adolescents?
Rationale of the Research Project
The primary reason behind this project is to find out the reasons behind the rising cases of adolescent depression. Kutcher (2007) implies that in the last one decade, the level of adolescent depression has risen by 30%. The American Psychological Association further asserts that the possibility of further increase in the number of depressed adolescents is likely (American Psychological Association). There is a close and direct link between depression in adolescents and poor academic performance, antisocial behaviors and lack of interest in activities that the individual once had.
Additionally, in carrying out this project, I intend to find out the link between depression and drug abuse and addiction. Past studies have shown a close connection between depression and drug addiction. Today, the likeliness of adolescents to become addicted to drugs has increased significantly. Parents and educators are worried about the future of depressed adolescents who turn to drugs for consolation. It goes without saying that the issue of depression amongst adolescents should be handled with a lot of urgencies. A solution to prevent and effectively treat depression in adolescence must be sought for and implemented. According to Curry (2014) depression during adolescents is likely to reoccur when an individual is in their mid-twenties. For this reason, it's important to address the issue of depression at an early age to reduce the likeliness of the same occurring in mid-adulthood.
Project Goals
· To identify the key factors that contribute to the occurrence of adolescent depression
· To identify the negative impacts of adolescent depression in social interactions and academic performance
Statement of Relevance
More than ever, the cases of adolescent depression has hit a peak in the 21st century (Bohman et. al, 2010). The issue needs to be discussed, researched and solved with urgency. Depression affects the quality of life of an individual. It is impossible for adolescents to live normal lives and do things that teenagers would do when they are depressed most of the times (Thapar, et. Al, 2010). To allow adolescents to mature effectively into adulthood, the factors that contribute to depression must be identified and dealt with accordingly. Additionally recent studies have highlighted the recurrence of depression in adults who suffer from depression during their adolescent stage (Benjamin, Hankin and Linda, 2007). This raises the urgency with which adolescent depression must be handled.
Section 3