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Depression is a medical illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make a person constantly feel negative, unmotivated, sad, and aloof. Depression can last for days, weeks, or even months. It can be triggered by anxieties, certain situations, or triggered by nothing at all. It can affect people of all ages, including teens and young children.

Children and teens frequently suffer from depression, which leaves families with questions such as: why does it happen, and what can be done to treat depression? The good news is that depressive disorder is treatable and some of the most effective depression therapies are in the form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques.

In the past, it was thought that children could not experience depression, but in reality, depression can affect people of any age. Often, depression in young people is triggered by events such as a loss in the family, changing schools, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. In some people, depression has no external cause. Depression often runs in families, meaning parents with depression are more likely to have kids who also experience depression.

There are several different forms of depressive disorder. Most young people with depression have a form of major depressive disorder. This type interferes with the ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some children and teens may also have a milder form of depression called Dysthymia, which is a long-term form of depression with less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder. A rarer but still common form of depressive disorder is manic-depression (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by sudden mood shifts from extreme happiness to extreme sadness.

Depression can be a problem for young people because their symptoms may vary slightly from the ones adults usually display, making it more challenging to identify and treat. Often, young people with depression will not seem sad or "depressed" as one would find in adults. Constant irritability is usually one of the biggest signs of depression in children and teenagers. Depression symptoms can be subtle, but may include difficulty sleeping, persistent sadness, exhaustion, and decreased interest in activities they used to love.

Children with depression may do poorly in school, have problems making friends, or get in trouble by "acting up," a cry for attention. The effects are also pronounced for teens, who may experiment with drugs and alcohol to escape their depression. Depressive disorder is no one's fault, but those with depression can seek treatment and learn how to handle their condition.

Depression help treatments can range from counseling and therapy, to the use of antidepressant drugs. Group psychotherapy can be helpful for teens and children by providing a safe place to share their experience with others. Monitored online services such as depression forums can also provide information on depression and serve as an outlet for the depressed.

Behavioral therapy can help teach people of all ages how to manage their depression. Counseling can help parents understand what causes a child's depression. Family therapy helps educate families on depressive disorders and what they can do to support their child.

In some cases, antidepressant medications are prescribed. This is only done under the careful supervision of a physician who will monitor the child's health and mental state. Although people with depression may have a need for antidepressants, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in sensitive and still-developing children and teens. This is why psychological therapy, support and understanding from families and professional therapists, and the use of techniques that help children learn how to relieve their depression by themselves are considered better for helping young people with depression.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can be used to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. They help people develop safe and constructive coping strategies for handling depression. It works for all people because it is non-invasive, does not require the use of any drugs, and is a valuable form of self-therapy.

One NLP technique used to treat depression is known as the NLP Flash. This technique trains your unconscious mind to use the feelings that create stress and depression as triggers for positive thoughts that relieve depression. It is a technique that even children and teens can use to help them reduce their depression.

People who are diagnosed with depression can overcome it. Therapy can help the depressed of all ages live better. NLP techniques are perfect for helping children and their families cope with tension and depression. These techniques can diminish or even eliminate depression in people of all ages.

Alan B. Densky, CH is an NGH certified hypnotist. Since 1978, he's helped thousands of clients. He offers CDs for hypnosis depression therapy. Visit his Neuro-VISION hypnotherapy site for the hypnosis article library, or watch his free videos on hypnosis.