Cure For The Sad: On Millennial’s Depression
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‘Generation Me’ Teenagers today rely so much on external and immediate gratification, social status and image, and the superficial gain they get from their internet activities that they neglect the values that contribute to a sound internal life. Eight percent of 12 to 17-year-olds in the United States experienced at least one major depressive disorder in the past year.
Millennials, or the 21st century generation, grew up on the Internet. In the U.S. alone, a staggering 95% of them are going online daily. This trend, as much as it is a source of information and excitement, is also provoking anxiety and raising a range of concerns, from sex predators to promoting a sedentary lifestyle.
The effect of media and Internet use to mental health is becoming graver by the minute. In fact, teen depression and psychopathology has risen five-fold since the early part of the 20th century. Psychologists are concerned at the obvious rise in number of depression among the youth, and partly blame the culture that promotes narcissism through social media usage.
While some will argue that this is simply the result of greater recognition and diagnosis of the illness than in the past, it is still important to be more critical and recognize the role of the rise in materialism and narcissism of this generation.
Treatments and Alternatives Studies reveal that teens suffering from depression had diminished responses to rewarding stimuli, such as genuine assurance of a job well done, a friendly affirmation from a friend, or small monetary compensations for the actual completion of tasks. 20-year-olds who experienced depression as teens show muted reward responses, indicating that help is needed as early as possible.
In terms of health and response to these alarming phenomena, there are medications teens buckling under the serious weight of depression can take with the guidance of a mental health professional. There are also safe mood-enhancers available on the [INSERT IMAGE HERE] market for those who simply want a pick me up to get them through a tough day.
Alternative means and drug-free treatment are also open for teens not comfortable with pills and drugs. Fish oil, probiotics, melatonin, deep breathing, chiropractors and yoga are some of the alternatives experts recommend. Also, a stable social support system is known to do magic for the solitude, while major lifestyle overhaul goes even further. Depression treatment does not happen in a day. Teens should get off the computer, walk their own pace and breathe the great outdoors.
RESOURCES: Supplement Center– http://shopsupplementcenter.com The 2x2 Project.org - http://the2x2project.org/the-declining-mental-health-of-millenials-is-depression-the-new-
normal/ Help Guide - http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-treatment.htm
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