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What are some of the causes for teen depression and ways to help?

  • Aniya Faulcon

 iStock

Airdate: December 21, 2022

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According to HealthDay News, 1 in 10 Americans suffer from depression, with the mood disorder increasing fastest among teens and young adults.

New research from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that the elevated rate of depression since the start of COVID-19 has persisted into 2021, and even worsened, climbing to about 33% and affecting 1 in every 3 American adults.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents and young adults.

In Pennsylvania, during COVID-19, 7,000 teens died by suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Elliot Kallen, Co-Founder and President of A Brighter Day, joined us on The Spark Wednesday to discuss teen depression and ways to help those experiencing it.

Some of the symptoms for teen depression are: social withdraw, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, lack of enthusiasm and more.

“Depression is a sadness that overwhelms the human body. It is a disease in its own right,” Kallen, who created his organization after his 19-year-old son died by suicide, said. “I look at (depression) as six walls of a room, including the floor to ceiling. The walls begin to turn black and darken, and at some point they’re all black… You’re the parent. You’ve got to help your child, put your child first and get your child some help.”

For more information about A Brighter Day’s free mental health services for teens visit abrighterday.info.

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