Succeeding the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. The tidal wave of births during this period was followed precisely two generations later by Generation Z. As is the case with every generation that follows, disparities abound.
From simple shopping preferences to weightier matters like values and principles, Baby Boomers and Gen-Z are at two ends of the spectrum. However, no area could be more distinct than that of adolescent depression rates.
Whether born of Generation X or Baby Boomers, Gen Z is making their parents frantically look for treatments for teenage depression. What has led to this state and can there be a concrete solution? In this article, we will explore the possible causes of teenage depression among Gen-Zers along with available treatment options.
Unique Challenges to Deal With
Mental health, as a whole, has been an issue for our Gen-Zers. Studies have found that 42% of individuals from this generation have been diagnosed with some form of mental health condition. One can only imagine how high the percentage would be had the undiagnosed cases also been included.
Out of this figure, 20% are receiving therapy whereas 60% need to take regular medication. This is alarming indeed because, despite struggles in daily life, the numbers were nowhere close among Baby Boomers (precisely their teen years).
On the other hand, we also find that a small percentage of Gen-Z people are thriving when compared to their preceding generation. Now, it is true that many belonging to Generation Z have grown past their age of youth. Perhaps time and experience have taught them some tough lessons and provided answers to a happy and fulfilling life.
However, it is notable that Generation Z has had its fair share of unique struggles that can lead to depression even as a teenager. Let’s look at some of the common reasons in detail.
- The incidents of violence at all levels have increased. Gen-Z has had to live through global unrest, local riots, regional wars, and whatnot.
- Inflation rates have skyrocketed during this generation’s time. Gen-Z are more financially insecure compared to Baby Boomers. This is why they’ve come up with creative ways to live a simple and fulfilling life.
- No other generation has witnessed the same level of media proliferation as Gen-Z. This has exposed teens to body dysmorphia, comparison, cyberbullying, and more.
- Even the demands placed on Gen-Zers to succeed are overwhelming. The pressure may come from the immediate family or social circle. Otherwise, watching others’ lives across social platforms can naturally instill anxiety and depression.
- Climate change and its repercussions also impact this generation’s mental health and well-being.
Intensified Negativity Due to Social Media
In the previous section, we have briefly touched upon different forms of media that Generation Z has grown up with. Here, we will expand upon it because social channels contribute to a significant portion of depression and anxiety cases.
Generation Z has been the very first to grow up in the world of the internet and social media. The oldest of this generation may have had a childhood without smartphones and social media but their teen years have undoubtedly been affected.
Though social platforms were originally developed to reunite long-lost friends and family, they quickly became outlets for ranting, bullying, comparison, and show-off. Perhaps even the Baby Boomers experienced stress regarding body image, identity, and lifestyle differences during their teenage years.
However, these issues may only have surfaced when one had the opportunity to meet others in person or hear about them from a third party. Such information was not available at the tip of one’s fingers. Today, the problems have intensified and are driving our young people insane.
From the moment a Gen-Zer wakes up to the moment their head hits the pillow at night, they have access to others’ lives. If we’re being upfront, some people do not practice discretion while opening up about their lives online. They may openly discuss or even gloat about their recent shopping spree, relationship status, job promotion, and more.
Most share their most flattering moments and looks online for the world to see. A lot of it may not even be real but simply knowing that does not make a difference. After a certain point, the brain gets tricked into believing that one’s life is turning out miserably when compared to others who flash it online.
Even if the intentions behind sharing a picture are genuine, it is undeniable that viewers do get affected negatively. In an attempt to not miss out on the latest updates of the world and others’ lives, our teens find themselves in a vicious downward spiral of depression.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
As a parent or caregiver, we understand how challenging it can be to have your teen go through depression. You may feel helpless or overwhelmed as to how you can best support your child. If you are a Boomer yourself, you can understand that life today is so much more different than what it was during your teenage years.
Modern issues demand modern solutions, and these are exactly what we will discuss. Listed below are three ways you can support your adolescent.
Identify the Signs
Parents must start by recognizing whether or not their teenager may be suffering from depression. This mental health condition is pretty sneaky and can go unnoticed for months or years.
However, it does show itself through several behavioral and emotional changes. These may include lashing out and irritability, difficulty sleeping, social isolation, fatigue, and a loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities.
According to the Polaris Teen Center, it is common for young people to face low energy levels, mood swings, and sadness once in a while. However, these should not be a pattern in someone’s life, much less get worse. If you observe changes in your teen over days or weeks, it’s time to address the issue at the earliest.
Seek Professional Help
Parents can try approaching their teen with the issue first. Get them to talk to you. Let them know that you’re willing to offer a non-judgmental listening ear to their concerns. In many cases, this process may take time but the teen will open up gradually.
In case they get aggressive, avoid the topic, or downright refuse to share, you can seek professional help on their behalf. Mental health therapists and counselors are specifically trained to gently deal with teens experiencing depression.
They will also educate you and other family members on how to support the teen for faster recovery. In any case, do not feel alone and isolated. Most importantly, do not give up on your teen believing that their depression is merely a phase that will pass.
The truth is that teenage years are full of turmoil, especially due to hormonal changes. Teenagers are vulnerable to acting out impulsively, in a manner they never would have had they received timely help. This holds even if they resist your attempts to support them.
Limit Their Social Media Usage
A great many parents allow their teenagers full liberty with their smartphones and social media platforms. This is unhealthy even in the case of late teens. Keeping a close watch on your teen’s virtual whereabouts, including the people they connect with, is vital.
No matter their age, you are still the parent and must exercise control if dangerous behaviors are found. For instance – a teen’s chats could reveal signs of cyberbullying. Something as simple as following wrong accounts and viewing their posts regularly can trigger a depressive episode.
Keep a watch and advise them to clear their friends list if you suspect something fishy. Be gentle and polite with this and do not threaten to confiscate their devices. This may lead them deeper into the hole of withdrawal and other destructive behaviors.
In summation, modern-day adolescence is no longer an accurate representation of the past. Social media and loosening parental control are leaving our teens vulnerable to the preying world outside. Thankfully, many Gen-Zers are waking up and putting their social profiles to rest.
They are utilizing their social media time on side hustles and meaningful hobbies. Those who do are experiencing benefits like greater fulfillment and lower levels of anxiety or depression.
Is a social media detox the answer to your teen’s depression? That depends on what is causing the issue. Apply the strategies this article discusses and pull your teen out of the shackles of perpetual sadness and mental pain.
