Depression and anxiety in critical transitional periods in an adolescent's life

Abstract

Depression and anxiety during critical moments in an adolescent’s life, such as entering and graduating high school, may be more prevalent than many individuals think. I examined adolescents and rated the amount of depression and anxiety they were experiencing, as well as what coping mechanisms were common among these adolescents and whether they were healthy or unhealthy. The research involved going to local school districts around the Menomonie, Wisconsin area and evaluating previous surveys that the school districts have already administered. The surveys gathered by the school districts analyzed depression and anxiety in the students, and what coping mechanisms the students were using with a heavy concentration on substance abuse knowledge and use. The purpose of this study is to find out how much depression and anxiety is affecting these students as well as what coping mechanisms they are using. We also investigated healthy resources students are using in their school district as well as in their own community. Furthermore, the purpose is to raise awareness to the school systems about how students are dealing with depression and anxiety and to help students identify the resources that are available to them.