Health and Wellness

A perennial joke among women is that the wheel of medical research seems to grind slowly with women’s sexual health problems but goes from zero to 100 miles per hour in seconds when it comes to men’s sexual problems. In decades past, men did not usually admit that they were suffering from depression. This was a “woman’s illness,” and it wasn’t manly to be depressed. Thankfully, all this has changed and men can now feel comfortable in being treated for depression.

There is a connection between levels of testosterone, the primary men’s hormone, and depression. On this, the medical researchers agree. But the debate remains as to whether low levels of testosterone causes depression in men, or if depression causes low levels of testosterone. Men who suffer from depression find this to be a moot point; they would just like to be effectively treated for depression with appropriate medication.

How are Testosterone and Depression Connected?

Men with depression usually have a low libido, or sexual drive. This can result in both loss of interest in sex and erectile dysfunction. To make matters worse, antidepressant medications can also cause erectile dysfunction. During an episode of depression, levels of testosterone decrease both as a symptom of depression and as a result of antidepressant medication. This puts men with depression in a quandary. Should they use antidepressant medication long enough (about a year) to put their depression into full, sustained remission and cope with the side effect of lowered testosterone and low libido? Women with depression can “fake it” sexually. Men cannot.

In depressed men, signs of low testosterone include gradual breast enlargement (gynecomastia), a raise in voice pitch, shrinking of the testicles, loss of pubic hair, thinning of the bones, loss of energy and loss of muscle mass. Unfortunately, some depressed men resort to testosterone-based anabolic steroids to prevent these effects. This is an extremely dangerous and illegal practice. It is vitally important that men discuss depression and testosterone with their physician. Some antidepressant medications have less sexual side effects than others.

In addition to antidepressant medication, men suffering from depression should see mental health therapy to help them cope with this condition. By helping depressed men raise their self-esteem, therapists can help these men to understand that sexual performance is not nearly as important in relationships with women as genuine affection and non-sexual demonstrations of intimacy. In other words, sex is not what sustains a loving, committed relationship. Women have always known this, but men have difficulty with this concept of a different sort of intimacy.

The link between depression and testosterone is well documented in the medical literature. The testosterone patch is just now receiving the attention of physicians as a possible resolution to this problem.

Teen depression affects young people when they are supposed to be learning, playing and living life to the fullest. Teen depression often puts a gloomy cloud over these years when life should be interesting and fun. Teen depression can be alleviated so this condition does not have to ruin these wonderful years. Teen depression can cause many problems at a time when teenagers face many challenges. The teenage years are a time when young people go through many hormonal changes which can be confusing and disruptive. Teen depression hits young adults when they are experiencing changes in their education as well.

There is help for the young people suffering from teen depression so these young people and their parents should not despair. There are many medical and educational professionals who have experience working with those with depression during their teenage years. These professionals often have extensive experience working with others who have suffered from depression. Adult depression has many of the same symptoms as teen depression so those who have worked with depressed adults should also have great insight into the problems with depression during the teenage years.

Teen Depression Is Often Confusing And Distressing

Teenagers go through many changes, and their parents are often very confused when their personalities and habits suddenly start to change. Children might be very cheerful before their teenage years, but then they might suddenly change to be apathetic and sad. Teenagers suffering from depression show other symptoms as well. Many teenagers suffering from depression change their eating habits, and they might gain or lose an inordinate amount of weight. The teenagers who are affected also withdraw from their friends and family at times.

Teen depression sometimes leads teenagers to alcohol or drug abuse which can be most distressful to their families. These teenagers also have trouble in school at times. Children who were enthusiastic about their school work and those who excelled at their work often become lazy and unproductive at school because of depression. There is not a single cause of depression in teenagers. There could be several factors that affect these young people. There is treatment that can help them. Psychotherapy is often helpful and this can be accomplished with the help of an excellent professional. There are also drug treatments that can make a significant difference for these young people. Several drugs are available, and each parent and their teenager should look carefully at those available for this condition.

Teenage depression can be very disruptive to the lives of young adults who are experiencing many challenges in their lives. Teenage depression affects a group of people who are going through many changes in their lives. There are many hormonal changes that take place during the teenage years as well as other types of challenges. Many of these teenagers experience different types of schools during their adolescent years. They leave the comforts of the home and comfortable classroom to enter larger schools with new curriculums. Many parents are shocked when their very obedient, pleasant children suddenly become irritable and depressed. They do not realize the cause of the changes in the personality of their children.

Other symptoms of teenage depression might also startle parents with adolescent children. Teenage depression might cause temper tantrums in children who were always pleasant. Teenage depression might cause adolescents to lose interests in any type of activity. A depressed adolescent might gain or lose weight suddenly. Teenagers suffering from depression might want to sleep excessively and lose interest in going to school. All teenagers might exhibit the symptoms of teenage depression for short time periods. If these symptoms persist, the teenager should consult with a physician to get the necessary help.

Teenage Depression Can Be Alleviated

Teenagers suffering from depression need to have assistance from medical experts. These experts will first examine the young adult to see if there are any physical problems that cause the symptoms of depression. Fatigue could be from depression or from a physical problem. This should be determined to ensure proper treatment. If the expert decides that the problem is teenage depression, they will take the appropriate steps for the good of the teenager. Once physical problems are ruled out, the physician will probably refer the teenager to a mental health expert.

The mental health expert will spend time with the young person to arrive at a treatment strategy. A teenager with depression will benefit from the treatments recommended to depressed adults with some modifications. Psychotherapy is often recommended to treat depression. Young adults with depression often benefit most from treatment with a psychotherapist who has experience with young people. Sometimes it is a good idea to include other family members in the therapy sessions. Medications are also available for those young adults with depression. There are several excellent medications that can provide great help to young people suffering from depression. Thoughtful treatment can be effective in helping teenagers cope.