Podcast Summary
Adolescent depression and vaping: Depressed adolescents are more likely to vape, which could worsen their mental health issues, and it's crucial to provide them with social support and tools to resist peer pressure and address their mental health concerns.
Depressed adolescents are more likely to vape, and it's a vicious cycle. These kids, who are already struggling with mental health issues and high anxiety, turn to vaping as a form of self-medication. However, they may not realize that vaping won't help and could actually make their depression and anxiety worse. This study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, surveyed year seven and eight students, which is a highly vulnerable age group. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can make this time extremely difficult, and the pressure to vape can be overwhelming. Therefore, it's crucial to give these kids the social tools and support they need to resist peer pressure and address their mental health concerns. It's important to remember that vaping doesn't provide any real relief and could make things worse in the long run.
Adolescent brain development and vaping: Vaping during adolescence can lead to addiction, brain chemistry changes, heart problems, anxiety, and difficulty quitting due to withdrawal effects.
Vaping can be particularly harmful to adolescents because their brains are still developing. The brain continues to develop into the early 20s, and vaping exposes it to an addictive substance like nicotine. Nicotine can cause changes in brain chemistry, heart problems, and anxiety. By using vaping during this vulnerable time, adolescents risk addiction and further health issues. Additionally, trying to quit can be difficult due to withdrawal effects. Therefore, it's crucial to have conversations with adolescents about the dangers of vaping and provide them with support.