Teen Depression Statistics Reveal High Numbers of Crippled Teens
Researchers from SAMHSA and RTI International discovered that an alarming number of teenagers experience major depression. In fact, 1 in every 12 teenagers (8.5%) aged 12 to 17 experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) within a one year period.
- 1 in 8 teen girls (12.7%) experienced a major depressive episode
- 1 in 21 teen boys (4.6%) experienced a major depressive episode
The likelihood of a teenager experiencing a MDE increases with age.
Among teens with a past year MDE, how many are impaired by the MDE in at least one of four role domains (i.e., home, school/work, family relationships, or social life)?
- 1 in 5 (21.0%) reported very severe impairment lasting an average 58.4 days
- 1 in 2 (48.3%) reported severe impairment lasting an average 25.8 days
- 1 in 4 (25.0%) reported moderate impairment lasting an average 14.1 days
- 1 in 19 (5.3%) reported mild impairment lasting an average 11.7 days
- 1 in 250 (0.4%) reported no impairment
For more details, read the full report. It is saddening to see so many teenagers being crippled by depression. Based on these statistics, there is a good chance someone in your youth group is experiencing a major depressive episode.
For Discussion:
- Aside from prayer, what are some effective ways to help teens prevent or cope with depression?
[via MSNBC]
Greg Simmons Said,
May 15, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Talk. Real simple. I work with the Youth at our church. It’s a strange phenomenon, but in our ever more connected world, I believe teens feel less connected. Although our Youth IM, SMS, blog, vlog, myspace, twitter, etc., I believe they’re missing out on true interaction.
Studies have shown that babies in NICU respond amazingly when there is human touch involved. Their vitals improve and they are less restless. Although I have NO studies to back it up other than personal observation, I believe the personal nature of talking with teens is just as important. All of the communication methods listed above, while open (sometimes WAY too open), are still impersonal. Talking with someone involves emotion, tone of voice, body language, facial expression and the most important element…active listening.
Going back to my list of communication methods, teens may use all of these. Yes they are interactive to a point, but it’s still not “active” listening. Active listening is undivided attention with real eye contact.
That is exactly what teens are yearning for. If they didn’t want to be heard they wouldn’t have a MySpace page or blog or twitter etc. But I think too, they not only want to be heard, but they want someone to listen to them and provide appropriate feedback.
As my wife has told me plenty of times when she’s frustrated by something, “I just want you to listen. Don’t try to fix it, just listen.” That may be the best medicine of all.
Kent Shaffer Said,
May 15, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Great input, Greg!
Jeremiah Gumm Said,
May 15, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
Thank you for sharing these sad statistics. Unfortunately they are likely to keep rising at an alarming rate, especially among our young people, which makes it all the more important for us to know how to minister to those suffering from depression. I blogged about this topic using your analysis! Thanks again and God’s blessings!
Steve Said,
May 15, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Believe it or not, diet. A diet high in sugar has been directly related to depression in youth. A balanced diet starting at a young age will help curb depression.
Exchange high sugar cereals with a low or no sugar replacement. It may be harder to do, but if it needs to be done then it needs to be done. Of course, the younger they are the easier it is to introduce these things into the diet.
Lex Said,
May 16, 2008 @ 8:30 am
A media fast. We do a three-week media fast with the students in our youth ministry every year. No TV, no internet (best to do it in the summer so they don’t make excuses about homework), no radio, no iPod, no video games, no books other than the Bible, no movies, no magazines.
Teenagers in our society are bombarded with messages and images - thousands every day - telling them how they should act, look, talk, dress, etc. As we all know, these images and ideas are completely distorted and impossible to obtain. The students know that too, but it still influences them.
It’s remarkable to see the change in teenagers after even one week without an iPod. They’re lighter, happier, more active, more social … Most of them go back to gorging on media when it’s over but a few usually get it and make serious cut-backs.
Mark K. Said,
May 19, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
I think teens need a greater understanding of the sovereignty of God. Why does God allow pain into my life? Why does He allow my parents to divorce? Why do my classes overwhelm me? Why….why….why?
A good understanding of Romans 8 would go far in helping teens get a greater grasp of the larger picture. Difficulties, trials, troubles, joys, good times… all things are placed in their lives for a reason. That reason? So that they become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
And that is the goal over all isn’t it?