Depression in Young People: Factors that Increase Vulnerability

You’re probably familiar with the stereotypical moody teen. Black hoodie pulled up to conceal their identity and unwashed hair. They slump from bed to kitchen, mumbling something about being tired and hating life as they rummage for last night’s leftovers. This stereotypical depiction of adolescent moodiness gets played out on television and movies all the time. And it may be playing out in your house, too.

“Brooding” teens and “moody” young adults are often written off as just going through a phase, but these behaviors that might seem broody or moody can sometimes mask something deeper. What may be presented as laziness, irritability, or the insistence of isolation may in fact be a sign of depression, a condition that affects millions of young people worldwide and, unfortunately, often goes unnoticed until it reaches a crisis point.

Is it just a phase?

As a parent or guardian, it’s important to be aware that some of these stereotypical behaviors that may be deemed as “just a phase” could be depression hiding under carefully crafted sarcasm and dramatic eye rolls. However, to gain an accurate view of what your child is going through, you have to zoom out a little and look at the bigger picture at this season of life.

Just like the seasons of the year, spring, summer, fall, and winter, our lives have cycles too. And just as each season has its own set of challenges and purposes (and blessings), so do our life stages.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV) says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Just like there is a season for planting and harvesting, there are seasons in our lives that are meant for growth and letting go.

Depression is no respecter of age; young adults are especially prone because life in this season is full of uncertainty, expectation, transitions, and hormones.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Study, a disturbingly high number of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. With nearly 40% of respondents indicating signs of depression, experts are taking notice of this mental health concern among young people.

Why are young people especially vulnerable?

There are several reasons why depression hits young people harder than other age groups. Part of the reason is that the pressure they face at this stage in life is unique. Many feel that they should have everything figured out by high school graduation day, which, of course, is an unrealistic and unnecessary pressure.

Young people are faced with big decisions about college, careers, social lives, and their own personal identities. These factors converge in the late teens and early twenties, causing young people to feel like they are suddenly on a time crunch for life.

When reality hits, and it can hit hard sometimes, and these unrealistic goals aren’t met, it can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy. This can create the need for isolation and provide a breeding ground for depression.

The pressures of achievement, moving out of the family home, starting college or a job, and figuring out friendships and relationships can feel monumental when the safety net of childhood and the predictability of family life are replaced with an uncertain future.

The people who were once a source of stability are suddenly less prevalent. This, coupled with new responsibilities, can feel overwhelming at best.

Social comparison also plays a significant role in depression. With social media constantly pushing the prettiest (filtered, curated) highlights of other people’s lives, young people might feel like they are falling behind or failing in comparison to their peers.

They might see posts about some career advancement, a new romantic relationship, or a fun group activity that they weren’t invited to, and feel like their own failures and lack have been thrown in their face.

Identity development is also a significant factor in the pressure young people feel. This season is when they are trying to understand who they are and what they stand for, independent of their parents. Will they follow the path they’ve been taught or venture into a new ideology?

Questions about purpose, value, and direction all weigh in during their internal conflict. When answers don’t feel as concrete and accessible as they first imagined, self-doubt can creep in.

Is it biological?

Of course, biology plays a part in depression in young people. Biological reasons for depression can affect people throughout their lifetime, but those in their teens and twenties can be particularly prone. While they might present themselves as adults on the outside, young brains are still developing.

This development continues well into the mid-twenties, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and understanding consequences. This is why young adults are biologically more likely to experience intense emotions and impulsiveness than older adults.

Hormonal changes are also to blame. The tumultuous teen years and transitional early twenties are not only full of external changes, but also shifts in hormones that affect mood, sleep, and energy levels. Fluctuations in hormones can intensify feelings of sadness or irritability, and when combined with stressors like school, work, or relationships, they can lead to depression.

Neurochemistry is another factor in determining depression, but this one is not restricted to just this age bracket. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine regulate mood and motivation, and an imbalance in these chemicals can make it difficult to experience joy or respond to stress. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can be an issue for anyone.

This all seems pretty grim

With all the biological factors, life changes, and pressures that young people go through, it can all seem grim and hopeless. Praise God, it’s not!

Connecting your child or young adult with a therapist can be a big step toward helping them climb out of depression. A skilled therapist will weigh all factors, including biological and lifestyle issues, transitions, and expectations, to help get a well-rounded picture of whether you’re dealing with depression or “just a phase.” With this information, a therapist can propose a plan to get life back on track.

As an adult, just keep being there for them. Encourage small lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity. A daily walk (bonus points if you can do it together!) can increase endorphins. A consistent sleep schedule and a well-balanced diet can also help, as can setting small, achievable life goals.

Encourage your teen to engage in enjoyable activities that help to provide a healthy distraction from negative thoughts. Spending time in nature can be a massive benefit for those under stress because it can physically reduce stress hormones and help the body relax.

You can be a part of this change, too. Sit together for meals, tell a joke (even a groan-worthy “dad joke”), or watch a movie together. If they see you trying to make a connection with them, they are more likely to try to reciprocate that effort, eventually.

And of course, God. God is the author of hope and the creator of healing. When He steps into your story, all the lifestyle factors and biological contributors can be taken under control.

A New Beginning

Yes, this weird, wonderful time in your child’s life can seem overwhelming, but with a strategic plan for coping with all the drama of teen relationships, uncertainty of choosing a university and waiting for the hormone levels to level out, you will be rewarded with a healthy, happy and productive adult, ready to take on the next season in their life (sans the black hoody).

To learn more about how counseling can help young people to navigate this tumultuous time of their lives, contact our office today.