As mentioned in our Reasons or Causes of Depression page, there are several factors that can trigger depression. Here, we will be talking specifically about other illnesses and/or disorders that are comorbid with depression. At Teen Depression, we want to provide you with this information so you can better understand teenage depression, and figure out the best ways to help a teenager struggling with it.
- Excessive Depression
Clinical or Major Depression is marked by excessive feelings of isolation, loneliness, apathy, fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, restlessness, significant weight loss or gain, and recurring thoughts of suicide or death. To be classified as clinical depression, these symptoms must persist every day, for at least two weeks.
- Complicated Bereavement
While it is natural to mourn the loss of a loved one, some individuals experience debilitating and chronic grief that can affect their daily life. Complicated bereavement, also known as complicated grief, is a heightened state of mourning marked by problems of accepting death, extreme focus on reminders of the loved one, irritability or agitation, depression, inability to enjoy life, bitterness about the loss, preoccupation with their sorrow, and intense longing for the loved one who passed away.
Mental Health Disorders
Here are some mental health disorders that are comorbid with depression:
- Depression Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are different mental health disorders, however, people with depression may experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder such as problems concentrating and sleeping, irritability, and nervousness.
- Borderline Personality
Some studies show that Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is highly comorbid with depression. Some symptoms of clinical depression may be experienced by individuals diagnosed with BPD such as: decreased interested in previously enjoyed activities, irritability and moodiness, significant weight loss or gain, loss of energy, and persistent sadness.
- Self-Harm / Cutting
For individuals who do not seek professional help, self-harm/cutting becomes a means of escape, a way to release pent-up emotions, or a way to punish themselves. There are different forms of self-harm such as cutting, persistently picking at wounds, and other forms of self-injury. It is typically a cry for help and it must not be ignored since over half of people who die by suicide have a history of self-harm.
- Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is marked by extreme shifts between mania and depressive episodes. During a depressive episode, an individual experiences symptoms present in clinic depression such as irritability, sadness, agitation, feelings of worthlessness, apathy, loss of energy, and pessimism. - Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that falls on the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum. It is marked by an individual who has a higher than the average intellectual ability, repetitive mannerisms, impaired social skills, difficulty understanding others’ feelings, motor clumsiness, and a pedantic style of speaking. These factors often lead to them being ostracized due to social stigma, and can cause them to have low self-esteem which can lead to depression.
At Teen Depression, we would be more than happy to discuss Illnesses/Disorders Surrounding Depression further for you. Give us a call at 888-226-0766 for more information.