Adolescence, also called puberty, is the most complex developmental phase in a child’s life. Numerous problems, including depression, arise particularly during this phase. It is an emotional roller coaster in which adolescents, under the influence of biological and situational processes, are constantly caught between laughter and tears. Within this piece, depression will be discussed based on two factors, sexual orientation and family situation.
Sexual orientation
During adolescence, the adolescent develops both physiological and psychological sexual characteristics. Not only is an adult body developing, but adolescents are also confronted with sexual feelings and desires. The sexual orientation of young people is strongly linked to the tolerance of the social context in which they find themselves, with the danger of social rejection lurking, especially in traditional and restrictive cultures. Homosexual adolescents are confronted with a dilemma, where the choice lies between their own and a constructed heterosexual identity. Being bullied can have consequences for the self-esteem of gay adolescents, but denying their own sexual identity can lead them into even deeper isolation. This isolation is a major risk factor for the development of depression. The fact that the consequences of this can be catastrophic is evident from the shockingly high number of suicide attempts among homosexuals. However, gay adolescents who successfully come out about their sexual orientation are freed from their inner struggle, allowing them to once again focus on other aspects of psychological growth. Unfortunately, in many countries there is still a taboo regarding homosexuality, which makes coming out a stumbling block for many.
Family situation
Unlike adults, adolescents are exposed to many new experiences and at least as many dilemmas. To find your way through this jungle of possibilities, a social network is vital and perhaps the most important factor in this regard relates to family composition. For example, children who grow up in single-parent families without the input of a father or mother, who teaches them norms and values, can fall into anti-social behavior. This is certainly the case when one of the children suffers from a psychological disorder, such as autism, because it is then impossible to divide the attention equally between the children. This can cause the other child to become socially isolated, which can be a problem, especially during adolescence, when friendships are developing. However, this does not mean that parents should stay together under any circumstances. On the contrary, adolescents who live between two ever-increasing fires can develop deviant and aggressive behavior. However, it is clear that family composition can play a crucial role in the development of adolescent behavior, which can result in lower self-control and esteem, two risk factors that can lead to eventual depression.
Conclusion
Appreciation is vital for adolescents. Problems regarding one’s own sexual orientation or family composition can be detrimental to the self-esteem of adolescents. Unfavorable social circumstances can disrupt the development of the adolescent to such an extent that he or she becomes socially isolated, which can ultimately result in depression.