An international watch dog group for Psychiatric medications ( CCHR) would like child and teen psychiatrists to answer some very specific questions.

In a  nine year study 20,900 children and teens ages ten through eighteen years old were diagnosed with depression and were prescribed an antidepressant. The study found that the children and teens had FIVE times the suicide rate !

A Harvard Medical School Researcher stated that the above information is why the drugs, medications, have a black box WARNING on them! The group in Prague protested the use of these medications stating the gravely dangerous risk.

Depression affects one out of four youth worldwide and most people do not talk about it. It is a condition that can be treated by: counseling, medication, exercise, CBT therapy, positive thoughts and more.

Teens are afraid to talk about it for fear of a negative stigma from family, peers and friends however it is best to tell your parents or teachers or family so you can get the help you need and feel better !

In some countries over 25% of teens and adolescents suffer from a mental health disorder. The most common diagnosed disorders are anxiety disorders followed by depression and depressive disorders.

Teens are suffering from behavioral disorders and neuronal disorders like autism and aspergers, and Attention Deficit Hypercativity Disorder. Self harm and eating disorders and suicidal behavioral disorders as well. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders occurred too.

Many children and teens with the above disorders never sought help due to the fear of a stigma.

Research shows that depression is not only a mental disorder. Depression impacts the entire immune system. Depression impacts the heart, sleep, appetite and mood.

There are many combinations of ways to address depression; cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling therapy, exercise, diet changes. There are antidepressants used and be aware of Black Box warnings. Research in the USA show that counseling and psychotherapy should be done with medication for best results.

Twenty years ago depression and other mental health disorders in children were almost unknown and overlooked. Many physicians doubted the existence of depression in children because they believed children lacked the mature psychological and cognitive structure to experience such problems. Depression in children has always been a difficult topic for society, and perhaps even healthcare professionals, to comprehend. Today, however, it is a stark reality today.

Social pressures and expectations are fuelling the rise of mental health problems in children. Childhood seems to be more stressful than ever due to a greater emphasis on exams and grades, the rise of social media and cyberbullying, and the media’s portrayal of body image. I have seen an increase in young clients, especially girls, with emotional problems often caused by increased pressure in the media and advertising to achieve an unrealistic body image, further perpetuated by social media. Girls as young as six are dieting and the number of schoolchildren at risk of emotional problems has risen greatly.

The number of children playing outdoors with friends after school has rapidly declined over the last decade as they spend more time on computers and social media. Young people are bombarded with images and advice from celebrities on how to achieve the “perfect body”. These pressures often cause young people to develop low self-esteem which can lead to depression. Between 10-25% of youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder according to researchers in UK.

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Psychotherapy is a process however it can give you tools to cope and manage your mood for challenging times and teach life coping skills.