Post by Rob W. Case on Jul 18, 2006 12:55:41 GMT -6
Today, I happened to come across an interesting article.
Study Links Depression to Risky Behavior
by Josh Montez
July 17, 2006
www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0041245.cfm
Researchers found both boys and girls with symptoms of depression are more likely to use alcohol or drugs and engage in sex.
Bethanie Neely is one of the numerous twenty-somethings working at Focus on the Family. A few years ago, however, she was a teen in trouble.
“I did get involved with a kid from school. I was about fourteen. We didn’t have sex but that was all we didn’t really do.”
Neely blames her risky activity on depression after her parents divorced.
“I guess the depression and the risky behavior really fed off each other.”
Neely’s experience is typical according to study author Jocelyn Lehrer from the University of California San Francisco.
“Sexual risky behavior might reflect a coping effort, an effort to at least temporarily relieve symptoms of depression. Sex is something that feels physically good. There is at least a temporary emotional connection so that it may be a coping effort.”
But Dr. David Hager with the Christian Medical Association thinks it works the other way as well, meaning risky behavior leads to depression.
“There’s going to be a lot of remorse, there’s going to be a lot second thoughts about that and that can easily result in depression.”
Lehrer says parents can play a helpful role in helping teen’s battle depression.
“It’s also important for parents to be familiar with signs of depression among teenage boys and girls. And to actively encourage and support their teens in seeking mental health care when it’s needed.”
She says signs of depression include frequent sadness, low energy levels, social isolation and poor self esteem.
Study Links Depression to Risky Behavior
by Josh Montez
July 17, 2006
www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0041245.cfm
Researchers found both boys and girls with symptoms of depression are more likely to use alcohol or drugs and engage in sex.
Bethanie Neely is one of the numerous twenty-somethings working at Focus on the Family. A few years ago, however, she was a teen in trouble.
“I did get involved with a kid from school. I was about fourteen. We didn’t have sex but that was all we didn’t really do.”
Neely blames her risky activity on depression after her parents divorced.
“I guess the depression and the risky behavior really fed off each other.”
Neely’s experience is typical according to study author Jocelyn Lehrer from the University of California San Francisco.
“Sexual risky behavior might reflect a coping effort, an effort to at least temporarily relieve symptoms of depression. Sex is something that feels physically good. There is at least a temporary emotional connection so that it may be a coping effort.”
But Dr. David Hager with the Christian Medical Association thinks it works the other way as well, meaning risky behavior leads to depression.
“There’s going to be a lot of remorse, there’s going to be a lot second thoughts about that and that can easily result in depression.”
Lehrer says parents can play a helpful role in helping teen’s battle depression.
“It’s also important for parents to be familiar with signs of depression among teenage boys and girls. And to actively encourage and support their teens in seeking mental health care when it’s needed.”
She says signs of depression include frequent sadness, low energy levels, social isolation and poor self esteem.