Depression in Teenagers in Lebanon

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest in formerly enjoyed pursuits, a feeling of guilt or unworthiness, as well as changes in sleep and food. When feelings of sadness persist for more than 2 weeks, they raise alarm and question the severity of the matter. Although mood disorders can affect individuals at any age, teenage depression can have the most impact because of the critical decisions that teenagers make at this period of development that could alter the course of their lives.

Teenagers in Lebanon specifically have had a difficult time adapting and coping with the constant stressors that they are bombarded with on an almost daily basis; using humor and denial to mask and cope with this may lead to very bad effects in their lives later on. In Lebanon specifically, teenage depression is frequently disregarded and neglected as a result of stigma, lack of understanding, and restricted access to mental health treatments. Men are generally expected to repress their emotions in this society, which makes it difficult for them to display vulnerability or ask for help when they need it because they worry about appearing weak or unmasculine. At the same time, because of their gender, women are frequently subjected to unfair criticism of their behavior and choices and are bombarded with expectations of how to act.

Notwithstanding the patriarchal society, events that have only recently occurred play a significant role in increasing the vulnerability to developing depression. To begin, the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in isolation, nationwide lockdowns, and fear was an experience that no one had expected. These changes interfered with the daily lives of children who had never been exposed to this level of unrest. Because the virus came as a shock to parents and doctors, teenagers had no guide to look to and became plagued with the fears of infecting loved ones or being infected themselves. The pandemic significantly disrupted education, with many teenagers, especially those in public schools, finding it difficult to adjust to online learning and dealing with higher academic pressure.

The second factor in Lebanon that is highly specific to our current situation is the country’s economic crisis. To say “crisis” would be to put it lightly because the issue has gotten out of proportion; families are struggling to make ends meet as prices for everyday needs have become nearly impossible to attain. Many families have suffered from bankruptcy and unemployment which could affect the future of their children’s education as well as their mental health as they witness the events unfolding. Young people’s stress and worry have been made worse by social unrest and political instability, which have exacerbated their sense of uncertainty about the future.

These stressors all come after the devastating explosion that rocked Beirut on August 4, 2020, which we still recover from today. The internalized trauma manifested this winter when the storms began and we believed them to be explosions, and then recently after the earthquake. Mental health professionals noted an upsurge in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among teens in Beirut after the explosion, with little to no guidance on how to deal with the trauma-exposed to. In response to the mental health crisis, organizations and mental health professionals in Beirut created a number of programs to assist young people; These programs offered counseling, mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and peer support groups.

It is crucial to raise awareness and educate people about mental health concerns in order to fight depression in Lebanese teenagers. Teenagers in Lebanon may benefit greatly from community-based initiatives and programs that support social interaction, mental health, and well-being. To properly combat this condition, we must work on eradicating stigma and correcting false information regarding depression by educating children and adults. Eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness and encouraging honest conversations about mental health issues are crucial first steps in this direction. By doing this, it will be easier for people to seek medical treatment. Those who are depressed will be able to get the assistance they require.