Teens, Marijuana Use & Depression

Millions of teens report feeling hopeless and losing interest in everyday activities for weeks at a time. And many of these teens are making a bad situation worse by using marijuana and other drugs in an effort to make themselves feel better. Research shows that using marijuana can worsen depression and lead to more serious mental health problems. In fact, teens who used marijuana at least once a month in the past year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than teens who don’t use marijuana.1 For parents, this means it’s critical to pay closer attention to your teen’s behavior and mood swings, and recognize that marijuana and other drugs could be playing a dangerous role in your child’s life. Follow these steps to help prevent and recognize marijuana use in your home: 1. Talk to your teen -- Young people who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to try drugs than those who don’t get that same information from their parents.2 You are the most important influence in your teen’s life when it comes to drugs, so make sure your teen knows the facts about marijuana. 2. Set clear rules -- Discuss your expectations with your children, setting rules with clear consequences for breaking them, as well as praising and rewarding good behavior. 3. Recognize signs and symptoms -- There are a number of ways to identify whether your child is having psychological problems related to marijuana use. Look for signs of depression, withdrawal, hostility, etc. If you think your child might be depressed, be on the lookout for these symptoms: loss of appetite, feeling blue, loss of interest in things that used to be of interest, being bothered by things that previously were not bothersome, and not feeling hopeful about the future.3 You should also note if your child is doing well in school, getting along with friends, or taking part in sports or other activities. If there have been marked changes in your teen’s activities, it’s time to do some more homework. Look for evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers and so on; missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers; and bottles of eye drops, which mask bloodshot eyes. 4. Get help -- Depression is one of the most common emotional problems for teens and the good news is that it’s also one of the most treatable conditions. If you recognize any of the above signs in your child’s behavior, there are many helpful organizations for families. Consult these resources for more information or turn to your family physician for advice.
http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/mjmh-depression.asp