Adolescent years are a unique time to the growing child. Being hormonally charged, this is a time of exploration, change and growth. Teenagers are considered part of a vulnerable population, where they may need guidance during this chaotic period of physical/mental change. (Falkner, 2018) Nurses must learn about the stages of growth for this particular population to best have the most effective care. Nurses must understand the problems teenagers face. The two external stressors for the adolescent that I’m going to be focusing on is Bullying and depression.
Bullying has been an unfortunate part of growing up. “Bullying is a growing concern nearly affecting 20-30% of students” (Jantzer, Haffner, Parzer, Resch, & Kaess, 2015 para.17) Bullying is an aggressive behavior that is intentional and gives the aggressor a sense of control and power. With the advancement of technology bullying can not only be physical but it can be taken online through cyberbullying.
Depression on the other hand is in relation to bullying. Depression is more than just feeling down or sad. Depression is a mood that last for a while and interferes with normal daily functioning. (CDC, 2020) Signs and symptoms of depression include feeling sad or anxious often, feeling worthless, thinking about suicide or hurting yourself. Depression is a serious issue and it affects many people. (CDC, 2020) According to the CDC depression affects 1/6 people and affects 16 million yearly.(2020) Through both bullying and depression teens are at high risk for suicide. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- 24 year olds” (Lamis, Underwood, & D’Amore, 2017, p. 89) Evidence is related that people who are bullied are at higher risk for suicide and depression. (Falkner, 2018)
Prevention planning is what best help cope with depression and bullying. The most ideal is primary prevention. Primary prevention involves education and skill building to help recognize and to cope with teenage stressors. (Falkner, 2018) Secondary prevention helps catch early symptoms of depression and suicide. As a nurse it is important to have open and honest communication with teens, as well as to look for signs and symptoms of depression and deal with it head on and early to help for better outcomes for the vunerable population of teens.
CDC. (2020, August 06). Mental Health Conditions: Depression and Anxiety. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases…
Falkner, A. (2018). Adolescent Assessment. Retrieved August 17, 2020, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment…
Jantzer, V., Haffner, J., Parzer, P., Resch, F., & Kaess, M. (2015). Does parental monitoring moderate the relationship between bullying and adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal behavior? A community based self-report study of adolescents in Germany. BMC Public Health, 15,583-592. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1940-x
Lamis, D. A., Underwood, M., & D’Amore, N. (2017). Outcomes of a suicide prevention gatekeeper training program among school personnel. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 38(2), 89-99. doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000414
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