The causes of teenage depression vary.
The three most common causes have to do with unhealthy lifestyle choices.
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If you’re a teen and you lack exercise, or you eat a diet full of empty calories, drink excessive alcohol and use drugs, these will bring on depression.
Does this sound like you?
Do You Lack Exercise?
How much do you move around each day? Not getting enough exercise causes teenage depression. Get out and move even if it’s just for a walk! Exercise is a huge mood booster.
If you’ve taken our e-course, you are already aware that studies show that exercise is more effective than antidepressant treatment. (And the side effects rock! Rock hard muscle!) All it takes is exercising as little as three times a week to lift the symptoms of depression. Daily walks of thirty minutes or more are even more effective. Sitting around the house only brings your mind into depression. So, get out and move. Take your dog for a walk or your neighbour’s dog! Listen to your favourite music while you walk.
Do You Have Poor Eating Habits?
If your eating habits are poor, you’re only asking for disaster with your mood! Poor eating habits cause teenage depression. Junk food and sugary snacks will cause rapid changes in your blood sugar, giving you a temporary “high” followed by a crash. It’s the same with drinking pop or soda. If you aren’t eating enough fresh vegetables, lean protein, and multi grains, you probably aren’t getting enough of the nutrients your mind and body need. You’re probably not getting enough vitamins and minerals which will cause your depression. If you lack folic acid and vitamin B-12, this can cause depression too. If you don’t eat fruits and vegetables, you won’t get enough vitamin C which will cause fatigue and sadness. So eat up those apples and carrots or branch out and discover kiwis and celery! Celery’s good with peanut butter, hmm.
Do You Abuse Drugs?
Of all the causes of teen depression, this one is the most tragic. This is where you can spend money only to destroy your mind. Drug abuse causes teenage depression. When you step back and think about it, it makes no sense. You may abuse alcohol and drugs in an effort to self-medicate and ease your pain of depression, but substance abuse actually causes depression.
Alcohol—which is chosen as a depressant that slows down brain activity—is dangerous.
Excessive marijuana use causes teenage depression.
Finally, although “uppers” such as amphetamines and cocaine initially stimulate the nervous system, when the effect wears off depression sets in. So, it’s best to stay away from the substance abuse. Drown your sorrows in poetry or something else way more creative and productive. It’s good therapy!
If you’re abusing drugs or alcohol, you may need to find help! Look in your phone book for community support.
Lack of Good Food, Lack of Exercise and Drug Abuse Causes Teenage Depression
These three most common causes of teen depression can easily be reversed! If you haven’t already, take some time to sign up for our e-course to get some encouragement and step by step action plan to turn your life around.
There is hope! You are worth it!
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht
Related Articles on What Causes Teenage Depression
Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Dealing with Teen Depression: Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend
Filed under: Causes Teenage Depression | Tagged: causes of teenage depression, Teen Depression, teenage depression
