Depression is on the rise in the United States, according to researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. Overall depression is increasing for everyone, but teens the most. That doesn't surprise counselor Shannon Thornton a bit as her young patients have anxiety and depression.
“They’re very distracted and they’re stressed out on the inside because their brains are going 100 different places and they’re never present in what they’re doing,” said Thornton.
She said they never have downtime, if not at afterschool practices, they never get a break from social media input.
“They never get away, they're constantly connected to other people and negativity,” Thornton said.
Unlike growing up last century, a contributing factor is all the cool stuff kids have nowadays.
“The trends and what’s cool today, and what’s available to children today that wasn’t available to us. If you don’t do it, you’re not cool. It’s really tough on the good kids,” said Thornton.
She suggests younger parents should keep their children away from social media as long as possible and make sure there is quality family time. Dads and daughters especially need a close connection to build their security.
Thornton said stay engaged and they talk to you. Don't let kids curl up alone in their rooms.
Overall, all ages are feeling more depressed. However, treatment for depression has not increased.