The teenage years are often very stressful for adolescents, and bouts of depression are commonly linked to various stressors. Teenagers that are witness to or in the middle of verbal or physical fights between parents may have more severe cases of depression, especially when paired with other stressful events. Teen depression associated with parental arguments often goes unnoticed, because the parents are caught up in their own problems.
Verbal and Physical
Parental fights can take verbal or physical form, each of which is detrimental for a teenager. Relationships that consist of disagreements every once in awhile are normal, but it is when these arguments constantly occur or turn violent that has the biggest effect on teenagers. Whether the problems at home directly involves your teen or not, he will sometimes feel at fault, helpless or caught in the middle. Domestic abuse, which occurs in the extreme cases of parental fighting, is even more harmful to children and teenagers. It affects social development, causes behavioral and emotional problems, leads to severe depression and has a negative effect on school-work.
Divorce
Divorce is always a feasible outcome when arguments and fighting get out of hand. Teenagers that are already depressed due to their parents' relationship may become even more withdrawn. This happens for many reasons. Some common contributions of depression among teenagers dealing with parental divorce are the loss of income, changing schools and less parent involvement; all of which comes with living in a one-parent household. Parents that date seriously or remarry also contribute to teen depression if the new relationship contributes to their adolescent's stress levels.
Teen Suicide
In the event that teen depression goes unnoticed by parents, teachers and friends; there could be more lasting consequences. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, teen suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5- to 14-year-olds. Teenagers that resort to this drastic act feel as if there is nothing that can be done to improve their life. When this is caused in part or completely by family problems, a teenager feels intensified self-doubt and depression that is linked with the upheaval of what he knew as his family.
Symptoms & Solutions
Some teens are more at risk for depression due to family problems than others. The presence of alcoholism, depression or other mental problems enhances the probability that a teenager will develop symptoms of depression associated with all of life's stressors, including fighting within the family and divorce. Catching depression before it overcomes your teenager is simple if you know what to look for. Any change in your adolescent's temperament or daily patterns could signify depression. If you notice a teenager with feelings of guilt, pessimism, a sudden lack of energy or motivation or a change in social activity; she may be wrestling with depression.
