Feeling low, sad, or “blue” from time to time is something that most people experience. However, when these feelings persist over a long period, cause a problem in living, or return regularly, it is considered an illness known as depression. Young adults are especially prone to developing depression and often lack the skills to cope healthily or seek treatment independently. Depression is one of the most common illnesses that young people experience and is left untreated. It can be devastating. Fortunately, depression is a very treatable illness. A depression treatment program can help.
At Oceanfront Recovery, we understand how depression affects young adults. Our individualized treatment plans are evidence-based and effective in helping teens build resiliency and heal from the cycle of debilitating depression. To learn more and get help for you or a loved one, contact us today at 877.296.7477.
What Causes Depression in Young Adults?
The causes of depression vary as much as individuals themselves. While genetics play a part, trauma, stress, social circumstances, and family dynamics can contribute to or make a person more susceptible to depression. It can also be triggered by many factors, including the daily increasing pressure that young adults experience.
With the increasing pace of information and the prevalence of social media, young people are fed a staggering amount of images depicting how they should live and what they should live up to. These unrealistic portrayals of how young people are meant to look, what they ought to have, and how they should behave can be overwhelming at best. Often when young adults don’t feel they can live up to the images circulated by their peers or the media, they can begin to struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and diminished confidence.
Stressful relationships, school pressure, exams, bullying, interpersonal conflict within a family, a change in living arrangements, divorce of parents, the loss of a loved one, and experiences of poverty can also be potential triggers for depression in young adults. Depression can also be triggered or exacerbated by the experience of a physical illness, an embarrassing scenario, abuse, or bodily and emotional changes associated with puberty.
When young adults have difficulties maintaining close relationships or friendships, this can further diminish their confidence and self-worth and make it harder to find someone they can trust and confide in.
Recognizing the Signs of Depression
The root causes of depression are essential and can be uncovered and addressed during treatment. However, what’s most crucial is recognizing the signs of depression in young adults and helping them get the help they need. Even if they don’t want or know they need it.
Since they are undergoing significant changes and face numerous challenges, it can be hard to recognize the signs of depression in a young adult. Young adults are still developing their sense of self, resilience, and the skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, boundaries, and self-esteem. Occasional bad moods and acting out are to be expected. Depression, however, is something different and more serious.
Depression can cause dramatic shifts in mood, behavior, and physical expression; when its onset is gradual, it can be mistaken for personality. Some key signs to watch for in young adults include:
- Frequent mood swings and irritability
- Expressing feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, misery, or melancholy regularly
- Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in sleeping, eating, and exercise habits
- Chronic fatigue, lacking energy
- Difficulty with focus and concentration
- Increasing self-critical or self-blaming behavior
- Interest in death and suicidal ideation
- Frequent tearfulness or crying
If you recognize one or more of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek help.
Discover Resilience at Oceanfront Recovery
At Oceanfront recovery, we have experience helping young adults build resilience in the face of depression. Our modern, boutique treatment center is located steps from the healing waters of the Pacific Ocean in the Heart of Laguna Beach. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, we can help. Reach us at 877.296.7477 or fill out our online form.
