Depression in young adults: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Are you facing issues due to your persistent sadness? Are you losing interest in your regular activities? If yes then you might be suffering from depression. Depression is a common mental illness and various individuals suffer from depression from time to time. The prolonged phase of depression affects your functioning ability in different aspects of life. Always remember that it is quite normal to get sad or tense. However, if your depressive phase is extending and you are facing the depression symptoms for two weeks or more then you need to consider your mental health situation. Don’t hold yourself back due to the adverse effects of depression in young adults.
Depression is one of those mental illnesses that affect every third person among a hundred. Moreover, different studies have reported that one in six individuals experiences depression once in a lifetime. Read this article thoroughly to get familiar with the interesting facts about teenage depression. You will also get clear insight that does teenage depression go away.
Signs of depression in young adults
If you are facing difficulty due to depression in your adulthood stage then you might experience the below-mentioned signs of depression in young adults. Moreover, diagnosing depression in young adults is extremely important to overcome mental illness.
- Anger issues
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal from social activity
- Preference of isolation
- Reduced energy levels
- Irritable behavior
- Difficulty in focus or concentration
- Trouble in financial management
- Relationship issues
- Numbness
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
- Headache
- Body ache
- Sense of worthlessness
- The problem in decision-making
- Insomnia issues
Depression in young adults can also lead to the occurrence of various other mental issues such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobia and bipolar disorder, etc.
If you are suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms and they are hindering your normal life then you need to seek professional help to deal with the symptoms.
What are the causes of depression in young adults?
The most common causes of depression in young adults include:
Coexisting mental illness
If you are suffering from depression then it does not mean that you will not suffer from any other mental illness. Depression also leads to the development of other mental illnesses. Likewise, if you are suffering from cardiac disorder or any lethal disorder then there is a greater possibility that you will suffer from depressive disorder.
Previous family history
Various studies have suggested that depression tends to run in families. If any of your parents ever suffered from depression in the past then there is a greater possibility that you will also acquire this disorder. However, the main gene that is responsible for the onset of depression is still not identified.
Distressing life situations
Different stressful events can also cause the development of depression in adults. Some common distressing situations responsible for depression include:
- Personal loss
- Financial loss
- Loss of a loved one
- Sudden incident
- Head trauma or injury
Substance abuse
Some people start taking different drugs or alcohol to avoid stress, However, some studies have reported a direct link between drug abuse and the onset of depression in young adults. Likewise, some studies have reported antagonistic effects. For example, the intake of cannabis is useful in relieving the symptoms of depression.
Discover more: Different levels of Anxiety & stages of anxiety recovery
What are the main types of depression in young adults?
Each individual responds differently to the depression symptoms. However, the most common types of depression in adults are as follows:
Atypical depression
Individuals suffering from this type of depression get happy instantly but their happiness never lasts for a longer period. Some other symptoms of atypical depression include:
- Elevated rate of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity of rejection in society
Anxious stress
Individuals suffering from this type of depression experience the following symptoms:
- Sudden panic attacks
- Sense of restlessness
- Fatigue or tiredness
Melancholic features
Individuals with this depressive type do not show the usual response towards the source of excitement or pleasure. Moreover, other common symptoms include:
- Guilt or embarrassment
- Changes in appetite
- Sudden alterations in mood
How to overcome depression in young adults?
There are different ways to prevent the onset of depression in your life. If you want to stay happy by diminishing all the symptoms of depressive episodes then you should follow the below-mentioned strategies to live a stress-free life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Among all the psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapy is splendid in treating depression in young adults. Different studies have reported the effectiveness of this therapy for depression in young adults.
Individuals with depression do not share their emotions and thoughts with others. However, cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful for such individuals. With regular therapy sessions, they get the confidence and share their emotional disturbances with talk therapists. Moreover, they also learn different social skills and then effectively engage in different social activities.
Dialectical behavioral therapy
This is also a type of talk therapy and is considered a more useful therapy for depression in young adults. Various individuals suffering from depression are unable to regulate their emotions and therefore unable to balance their lives. Instead of finding any useful activity, they remain busy and stressed due to their intrusive thoughts. Therefore dialectical behavioral therapy is proficient in dealing with negative emotions associated with depression in adults.
Social networks
Instead of avoiding social engagement, always try to spend time with your loved ones. When you meet others with pleasure then different happy hormones are released in your body. Those happy hormones are responsible for reducing the symptoms of depression.
Absolute diet
Your diet also plays an important role in your life. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid the intake of fat-containing products.
Physical workout
Make a habit of performing daily exercises. When you perform a physical workout, different relaxing hormones are released in the body. They not only lift your mood but also make you both physically and mentally active and healthy. You have to just give 30 minutes to your body and then you will surely say thanks to your body.
Share with your friends
Whenever you think that you are unable to handle your depression then you should share it with your friends. Show some courage and share all your mental health concerns with your family or friends. Always remember that sharing is the first step towards caring.
Last thoughts
Depression in young adults is an adverse factor that disturbs mental peace and overall quality of life. People with depression experience the prolonged phase of sadness, anger, and emotional instability issues. If you think that your depression symptoms are getting severe and affecting your life then reach out to professional experts. Inland Empire Behavioral Group is a leading platform that provides the finest mental health services. With the assistance of our experts, you can treat depression in young adults. So why wait longer? Contact our mental health experts and seek the finest professional help and get rid of depression.