How common is depression in young people?

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in young people. At any point in time, between two to five per cent of young people will experience depression that is of sufficient severity to warrant treatment; and, around twenty per cent of young people will have experienced depression by the time they reach adulthood (National Health and Medical Research Council. Depression in Young People: Clinical Practice Guidelines. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1997).

As well as being a source of immediate distress for young people, depression is also associated with increased levels of alcohol, cigarette, and other illicit substance use; lower levels of self esteem; and, increased levels of risk-taking behaviours.

In the longer term, depression can reduce social and vocational opportunities for young people as a result of early school dropout and sporadic employment opportunities. Depression during adolescence increases the risk of depression in adulthood; and, is also a well-recognised risk factor for suicidal behaviour.

Common symptoms of depression in young people
Often young people and their family and friends do not recognise the common symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression, like diabetes or asthma, can be diagnosed according to a range of symptoms that reflects changes in mood, thoughts, physiology and behaviour. It is important to speak to your local GP or school counsellor about your concerns.

All young people are different and the pattern of symptoms of depression may vary for different individuals. The following examples show some of the ways in which depression presents in young people. You will notice that some of these behaviours and feelings are typical of many adolescents some of the time. It is a total pattern of behaviours, thoughts, feelings and physical symptoms that indicates depression, rather than any one item. A diagnosis of depression takes into account the frequency and severity of the symptoms, over and above what would be considered 'normal' adolescent behaviour. Find out about depression checklists and the common symptoms of depression.

Behaviours

• Stopped going out
• Not getting school work done
• Withdrawn from close family and friends
• Relying on alcohol and drugs
• Stopped doing activities they would normally enjoy
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Staying in bed too much
• Upset over minor things
• Self harm attempts (in extreme cases)

Thoughts

• "I'm a failure"
• "It's all my fault"
• "Nothing good ever happens to me"
• "I'm worthless"
• "Life is not worth living"
• "I'm a bad person"
• "I can't cope"
• "Things are hopeless"
• "There is no point in trying"

Feelings

• Overwhelmed
• Guilty
• Indecisive
• Irritable
• Disappointed
• Frustrated
• Miserable
• No confidence
• Sad

Physical

• Tired all the time
• Sick and run down
• Headaches and muscle pains
• Churning gut
• Can't sleep
• Poor appetite and/or weight loss
• Eating too much and/or weight gain
• No energy
• Sleeping too much

Source: Susan H. Spence and Jeannie Sheffield, 'beyondblue Schools Research Initiative Teachers Manual', University of Queensland, 2003.