Teen Depression and Trauma

Teens who responses to trauma and teens with depression have a lot in common. Teens who go

through trauma have the same symptoms as teens with depression. In the article “Teen Responses to

Trauma and depression” by Jami L. Jones and Teen depression: Its more than a passing mood swing” by

Natalie McGill the authors explain what causes depression. Jones talks about how trauma in a teens life

can lead to depression. McGill explain what cause teens to become unhappy. Both articles give good

information on teen depression and I think it’s important to be able to notice when someone is

depressed.

Jones explains what trauma is and the symptoms of trauma. Trauma is defined as a normal

reaction to an extreme event (Jones 30). There are two things to note about trauma: first, each person

reacts differently to difficult situations (Jones 30). Second, it is not the event that causes trauma, but

rather how a person perceives and thinks about the experience (Jones 30). Whatever the situation-

event process – that leads to trauma, the symptoms are expressed physically, emotionally, cognitively,

and behaviorally (Jones 30). Physically responses to trauma can include numbness, fatigue, and

weakness (Jones 31). Emotional responses include feelings of helplessness and anxiety (Jones 31).

Cognitive symptoms are decreased attention span, impaired thinking and decision making, and

problems with memory (Jones 31). Behavioral symptoms include withdraw from family and friends,

change in appetite, and increased drinking or smoking (Jones 31). I think that knowing these signs of

trauma is good to know.

 Jones also discuss teens with depression and ways to detect someone with depression.

Depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose because adolescent behavior is marked by both up and

down moods, alternating between “life is wonderful” and “I can’t stand it anymore” (Jones 31).

Depression may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as the death of a friend or relative, a

breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failure at school (Jones 31). Like trauma, depression is

expressed physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally (Jones 31). Physical symptoms include

chronic tiredness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns (Jones 31). Emotional symptoms include

sadness, anger, irritability, crying, and feeling unloved (Jones 31). Cognitive symptoms include difficulty

concentrating and making decisions (Jones 31). Behavioral symptoms include withdrawal from contact

with friends and family members and loss of interest in school achievement (Jones 31).

WRJ

With this assignment I don’t fully understand it so I didn’t want to finish it all so I just need feedback.

The method I wanted to do was the block method. I think I did better than usual on my introduction.