Clinical depression is a condition caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make a person constantly feel sad, aloof, negative, and unmotivated. Depression can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can be triggered by anxieties, traumatic events, or nothing at all. Depression can affect people of all ages, including teenagers and small children.

Children and teens frequently suffer from depression , which leaves families with questions such as: why does it happen, and what treatments are available? Fortunately, 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 be depressed, but in reality, depression can affect people of all ages. Often, depression in young people is triggered by events such as changing schools, a relationship breakup, illness, a loss in the family, or abuse . In some people, depression has no external cause. Depression is often hereditary, meaning mothers and fathers suffering from depression are more likely to have kids who suffer from depression.

There are several different forms of depression. Most children with depression have a type of major depression. This depression obstructs a person's ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some adolescents may also suffer from a milder type of depression called Dysthymic Disorder, which is a long-term type of depression with milder symptoms than major depressive disorder. A rarer but still common type of depression is manic-depressive disorder ( bipolar disorder ), which is characterized by sudden mood swings from extreme sadness to extreme happiness .

Depression can be a problem for adolescents because their symptoms may vary slightly from the symptoms adults often display, making it harder to diagnose and treat. Often, young people with depression will not feel sad or "depressed" as one would expect in adults. Constant irritability is typically one of the biggest signs of depression in children and teens. Signs of depression may not be obvious, but may include difficulty concentrating and difficulty sleeping, low energy, and decreased interest in things they used to love doing.

Young people with depression may have trouble with schoolwork, have problems making friends, or get in trouble by "acting up," a cry for attention. The effects are also evident for teens, who may experiment with alcohol and drugs to escape their overwhelming feelings. Depressive disorder is no one's fault, but those with depression do have the power to seek treatment and find out how to handle their depression.

Depression treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant medication. Group therapy can be beneficial for teens and older children by providing a safe place to share their feelings with others. Online services such as depression forums can also provide information on depression and serve as a therapy group for depressed teens.

Behavioral therapy can help teach people of all ages how to handle their depression. Trained therapists can help families understand what causes depression. Family therapy helps educate families on why their child has depression and what they can do to help them.

In some cases, antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs are prescribed. This is only done under the supervision of a doctor who will monitor the child's health and mental state. Even though people with severe depression may need to take medications, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in children and teens, who are still developing. For this reason, therapy, support and understanding from families and professional counselors, and the use of techniques that help children learn how to cope with their depression by themselves are considered to be better for helping young people with depression.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practices can be used to relieve anxiety , tension, and depression. They help people come up with safe and constructive coping mechanisms for reducing depression. It works for everyone because it is safe, does not require the use of any drugs, and is a helpful form of self-help therapy.

One NLP technique used to relieve depression is the NLP Flash. This technique teaches your unconscious mind to use the feelings that create stress and depression as triggers for thoughts that create relaxation . It is a technique that even young people can use to help them cope with their depression.

People with depression can overcome it. Therapy can help depressed people of all ages live better. NLP techniques are perfect for helping young people and their families handle anxiety and depression. These techniques can reduce or even eliminate depression in anyone.

Author's Bio: 

Alan B. Densky, CH is an NGH certified hypnotist. Since 1978, he has helped thousands of clients. He offers CDs for self-hypnosis therapy for depression . Visit his Neuro-VISION hypnosis site for the hypnosis article repository , or watch his free video hypnosis collection.