This piece below is Authored by @massachussets, edited and posted by @mcsamm for @steem-ghana.

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It's normal to feel sad or moody at times. Exams, fights with family or friends, changing schools, or moving house can cause sadness and anxiety in young people.

Sadness can last for weeks or months, interfering with day-to-day activities. If a young person is unhappy much of the time and struggles to stay motivated, they may be suffering from depression, a severe disease that affects people of all ages.

Since suicide is a leading cause of death among teenagers, depression should be taken seriously.

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Symptoms of depression in teenagers and young adults

Young people, like anyone else, will experience mood swings, be irritable at times, and be especially sensitive to rejection and criticism. However, if the young person's moods have continued for two weeks or longer, he or she might be depressed.

Depression can show up in a number of ways, including:

-you're irritated or grumpy
-Feeling tired,
-Feeling tired,
-useless, or guilty much of the time,
-having suicidal thoughts,
-having trouble sleeping – either falling or staying asleep,
-lacking motivation and thinking that something is too difficult,
-losing interest in food or eating excessively,
-losing weight or gaining weight
-using tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs

Although there are no outward signs of depression, parents may note behavioral changes in their children that indicate depression and should not be overlooked. There are some of them:

-Lower grades at school,
-risk-taking behavior
-the use of alcohol and drugs are all linked to social withdrawal.

Suicide

One of the most important risk factors for suicide and self-harm is depression. If a young person is self-harming or contemplating suicide, it is important that they speak with close relatives or friends.

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Assist them in staying healthy by removing potentially dangerous objects such as medication, firearms, or other weapons, and encouraging them to seek medical attention. In an emergency, dial (191) and call for assistance.

Causes of depression in the youth

Depression is a mental disorder that is one of the most common health concerns among Ghanaian teenagers. Anxiety and depression in young people can be caused by a variety of causes and life circumstances. This may involve the following:

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-Fights with family or friends
-transitioning to high school
-being bullied
-witnessing a relationship break-up
-recent death, violence, or neglect

Depression may be exacerbated by genetic or biological causes such as chemical imbalances.

Depression in teenagers is treated in a variety of ways.

Encourage kids to speak to someone they know and trust about their feelings, such as a parent, teacher, school counselor, family member, or friend.

The young person should see their doctor and find out if they have depression and what recovery services are available. Psychological counseling, which focuses on developing skills to cope with life pressures and changing negative thinking habits, may help people with depression.

Antidepressant medication may be added to your treatment plan by your doctor. Since starting drug therapy, it can take up to six weeks to feel better, but most young people can notice a difference. Encourage them to discuss any changes in their moods with their doctor.

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The following are some self-help suggestions for improving mental health:

-Regularly exercise and consuming nutritious foods

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-utilizing relaxation methods

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-anything pleasurable to do

Many people find it difficult to obtain clinical assistance, and young people may refuse to see a healthcare professional. If this is the case, you should remind them that depression is fairly normal and that you are concerned.

Give them some information about depression and direct them to some helpful websites (such as youthbeyondblue, Kids Helpline, ReachOut, and headspace), as well as online and telephone counselling resources for young people.

Where can I get assistance?

• Local community health center
• Your health officers or doctor

It is important to detect and treat depression as soon as possible in all situations.
Depression may be a silent tragedy, but it doesn't have to be. Teens that need assistance can be reached through increased awareness and the advancement of needed mental health services.

Using social media to reach out to teenagers who might be struggling in isolation is a viable choice. Safe havens for youths can be created by collaboration with teen support groups and faith-based organizations.

We can make a difference in preventing suicide and saving lives if public and private industry, government officials, concerned families, friends, schools, and healthcare professionals work together.

Thanks for reading