Teen’s self medication can worsen depression

There are millions of American teens who exprience extreme depression from time to time. They would feel that they have lost interest in their normal activities and they feel hopeless. Many of these teens use marijuana and other drugs.

Research shows that some teens use marijuana when they are depressed. This can only worsen depression and lead to serious mental disorders like schizophrenia, anxiety and even suicide according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Based from observation, here are some thoughts about teens who smoke pot:

* Teens who smoke marijuana at least once a month are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who do not use marijuana.
* Using marijuana can cause further depression and other mental illnesses.
* The percentage of depressed teens is equal to the percentage of depressed adults, but depressed teens are more likely than depressed adults to use marijuana and other illicit drugs.
* Teen girls who use marijuana daily are more likely to develop depression than girls who do not use marijuana.
* Depressed teens are also more likely than non-depressed teens to engage in other risky behaviors such as cigarette abuse and heavy alcohol use.