11/08/2023
Depression and Girlhood
Riya is a bright and curious child. She finds wonder in the simplest things, always seeking to understand how things work and why. Her adventurous spirit brings joy and fascination to those around her. But something changes as she gets older.
During her journey to adulthood, Riya confronts the limitations imposed on her. At 11, she is mortified by herself and fears social judgment. By 13, she strives to conform to society's expectations, sacrificing her true self to be desirable. This facade exhausts her by 14, leading to social isolation. As she turns 15, she loses interest in hobbies and seeks instant gratification. Academic pressures burden her at 16, fostering guilt and feelings of unworthiness. By 17, Riya battles self-destructive tendencies to cope with despair and low self-esteem. Feeling powerless, she settles for a career chosen by her family at 18 and struggles to adapt to university life. At 19, she questions her purpose, mourning the loss of her girlhood and feeling ill-equipped for adulthood. Riya's journey reflects the challenges faced by many young girls in the modern world.
For many girls, growing up involves a transformation from subject to object. The timeline may differ, but most girls will recognize some of their own experiences in the above example. But here is the problem: the above case also depicts typical symptoms of depression. Teens often view varying degrees of stress as normal during adolescence and not cause for seeking medical attention. In addition, depressed adolescents often underestimate the severity of their symptoms. The concept of tragic girlhood in teenage girls overlaps with the symptoms of depression that depression in teen girls is often dismissed as psychological growing pains. But the truth is that depression is not an intrinsic part of being a teenage girl. The experience of existing and functioning in a patriarchal society as a teenage girl can be a contributory factor but is not a prelude to being depressed.
Depression is a polygenic and multifactorial disorder caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological aspects. Symptoms of depression are observed to worsen during puberty, pre-menstrual phase, menopause, and pregnancy stages of life in females. Depression in teen girls can be triggered by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes during adolescence, family history of mental health issues, academic and social pressures, traumatic events, body image concerns, relationship problems, substance abuse, bullying experiences, social isolation, and negative thinking patterns. Understanding and addressing these triggers are crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention to improve the mental health and well-being of teen girls facing depression.
If you are uncertain whether someone is experiencing depression or simply going through typical teenage challenges, consider the duration, intensity, and significant changes in their behavior. While occasional mood swings and stress might be attributed to hormones and adolescence, long-term and overwhelming feelings of sadness, lack of energy, or irritability are not typical and could indicate something more serious like depression.
Meet Shreya, a 16-year-old school student. Her life was turned upside down six months ago when her family had to relocate to a different state due to her father's job transfer. Leaving behind cherished friends and a familiar school, she initially remained optimistic about new opportunities. However, the weight of the changes became overwhelming. She withdrew, feeling lost and isolated in the unfamiliar environment. Struggling to make new friends, she constantly compared them to the meaningful connections she lost, deepening her loneliness and sense of rejection. Her academic performance suffered, impacting her self-esteem. Sleep disruptions worsened her emotional distress, creating a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. Recognizing her drastic changes, her parents sought help, and Shreya was diagnosed with depression. Medication and therapy helped her journey towards regaining control and adapting to her new life, helping her rediscover joy in her hobbies and brighter days ahead.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression, so as not to disregard mental illness as regular signs of hormonal changes in teenage girls. Timely diagnosis of depression in teen girls is crucial as early identification allows for appropriate interventions that enhance the chances of recovery, preventing the condition from worsening and minimizing its impact on their overall development.
If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, it may be time to talk to a psychiatrist: persistent sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, decreased energy, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, changes in appetite or weight, thoughts of self-harm.
Further, Depressed teens may seriously contemplate, talk about, or attempt su***de. Therefore, it is vital to take any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions seriously. Watch for warning signs like joking about su***de, expressing a desire to die, speaking positively of death, or seeking harmful means such as weapons or pills. If observed, seek immediate professional help, and involve supportive individuals like family and friends to provide necessary care and assistance to the struggling teenager.
It is essential to remember that each individual's experience with depression is unique, and not all girls will experience worsening symptoms in the same way. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, encourage them to reach out to a doctor for support and guidance.
-Tanvi Tamhane, Intern, Aarambh Mental Health Clinic
Tanvi Tamhane is a dedicated student currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in clinical psychology at Amity University. With a passion for understanding the human mind and behavior, she has chosen to focus on two particular areas of interest: women's mental health and social psychology. Tanvi's determination to contribute to these fields stems from her desire to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and society as a whole. In her free time, she enjoys to read, write and travel. Tanvi aspires to contribute meaningfully to the field of clinical psychology. Through her studies and endeavors, she seeks to bring awareness to mental health issues, particularly those impacting women, and promote a more compassionate and inclusive society.
