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7) Youth Ministry and Pastoral Care: Adolescent Depression

Commentary

During clinical depressive periods, three or more of the following symptoms are present:

  • Insomnia or hyper insomnia (sleeping more than is normal)
  • Low energy level, chronic tiredness
  • Feelings of inadequacy, loss of self-esteem, or self-deprecation
  • Decreased effectiveness or productivity at school, work or home
  • Decreased attention, concentration, or ability to think clearly
  • Social withdrawal
  • Loss of interest in or enjoyment of pleasurable activities
  • Inability to respond with pleasure to praise or rewards
  • Less active or talkative than usual, or feels slowed down or restless
  • Pessimistic attitudes toward the future, brooding about past events, or feeling sorry for self
  • Tearfulness or crying