Depression affects each person on the planet in one form or another and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 remain among the most affected. The most important thing that parents and mentors can do for their loved ones is to recognize the symptoms that accompany depression. Treating depression proves extremely important, and if symptoms become extremely severe, it may become necessary to receive proper medical attention. The Mayo Clinic advises, "If you know someone who is exhibiting several of these signs for days or weeks, have them seen by their pediatrician or health care provider. If active suicidal ideation is present with a plan and means, then proceed to the nearest emergency department. Treatment may involve talk therapy or medication."
Irritability
Depression has a dramatic affect on an individual's ability to relax. Sufferers constantly subject themselves to negative thoughts about themselves and the activities in which they engage. Irritability can become difficult to recognize from an outsider's view, so HelpGuide.org notes some other symptoms related to irritability such as "...feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves." Depression sufferers and friends need to become aware of these symptoms and be willing to discuss them openly
Changes in Diet, Appetite or Weight
A significant change in weight proves one of the biggest signs of a depression-related illness. Young adults will often experience a need to change their diet because their bodies often change so much during puberty and adolescence. Most of these changes prove normal, if don't become too dramatic, but an intense change in diet may signal depression. Significant changes in weight including something typically more than 5% of body weight in a month should cause concern.
Trouble Thinking and Concentrating
Severe depression in young adults can cause the victim to become obsessed with negative feelings. This attitude can cause the person to have a difficult time focusing on school, relationships, work and other important aspects of life. If depression becomes too severe it can cause performance in these activities to drop and create an even greater risk of having negative thoughts and feelings.
Other Mental Health and Behavioral Problems
Depression can often be accompanied by disorders such as ADD, ADHD, eating disorders and substance abuse. These problems may not always indicate depression, but if they are accompanied by other symptoms, there may be cause for concern.
