Clinical depression is an illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make someone constantly feel aloof, sad, negative, and unmotivated. It can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can result from anxieties, traumatic situations, or triggered by nothing. Depressive disorder can affect people of any age, including teenagers and even young children.
Children and teens often suffer from depressive disorders, which leaves families with lots of questions such as: what causes it, and what treatments are available? The good news is that depressive disorder is treatable and some of the best depression treatments come in the form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques.
In the past, it was believed that adolescents could not be depressed, but in reality, depression affects people of all ages. Often, depression in young people is triggered by events such as changing schools, a loss in the family, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. In some people, depression occurs on its own. Depression often runs in families, meaning mothers and fathers suffering from depression are more likely to have children who also experience depression.
There are several different forms of depression. Most young people with depression have a type of major depression. This depression affects the ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some children and teens may also suffer from a milder type of depression called Dysthymic Disorder, which is a long-term type of depression with milder symptoms than major depressive disorder. A rarer but still common type of depression is manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by mood shifts from extreme sadness to extreme happiness.
Depression can be a serious problem for young people because their symptoms are slightly different from the symptoms adults typically have, making it more challenging to recognize and treat. Often, minors with depression will not seem sad or "depressed" as one would expect in adults. Constant irritability is often one of the major signs of depression in children and teens. Depression symptoms can be subtle, but may include constant sadness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and decreased interest in activities they used to love.
Children with depression may do poorly in school, have problems making friends, or have disciplinary problems. The effects are also evident for teens, who may abuse alcohol and drugs to escape their depression. Depression is no one's fault, but people with depression do have the ability to get treatment and learn how to handle their condition.
Depression help treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant medication. Group therapy can be beneficial for teens and older children by providing a safe place to share their feelings with others. Monitored online services such as forums for teen depression can also provide information on depression and serve as an outlet for depressed teens.
Behavioral counseling can help teach people how to handle their depression. Counseling can help parents understand what causes a child's depression. Family counseling helps educate families on depressive disorders and what they can do to help.
In some cases, antidepressant medications are prescribed. This is only done under the supervision of a doctor who will watch the child's health and mental state. Even though people with severe depression may have a need for medications, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in sensitive and still-developing children and teens. This is why psychological therapy, support and understanding from families and professional counselors, and the use of techniques that help children learn how to relieve their depression by themselves are considered better for helping young people with depression.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can be used to relieve stress, tension, and depression. They help people come up with safe and positive coping strategies for living with depression. It is suitable for all people because it is non-invasive, doesn't call for the use of any drugs, and is a helpful form of self-help.
One NLP technique used to treat depression is called them NLP Flash. This technique reprograms the unconscious mind to use the thoughts that create stress and depression as triggers for thoughts that create relaxation. It is a technique that even children can learn to use to help them manage their depression.
People who are diagnosed with depression can overcome it. Therapy can help depressed people of all ages live better. NLP techniques are wonderful for helping young people and their families cope with tension and depression. These techniques can diminish or even eliminate depression in people of all ages.
Alan B. Densky, CH is a certified hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner. Since 1978, he has helped thousands of clients. He offers CDs for hypnosis depression therapy. Visit his Neuro-VISION self hypnosis site for the hypnosis article repository, or watch his free videos on hypnosis. http://www.neuro-vision.us/
