Teenage Depression and Anger Impacts Love Life in Later Years: Study

Dejected and sorrowful teens are more likely to suffer martial disturbances and love life failures in their later years, according to a study.

Depression and emotional distress can have lasting impacts in an individual's life, outlook on relationships, career, family responsibilities and emotions.  Various researches have warned against harboring too much negative thoughts and depression that increases the risk of serious health conditions like heart diseases, blood pressure, dementia and stroke. Experts from the University of Alberta found youngsters who spent their youth remaining depressed and angry experience difficulties in personal relationships and major life events like parenting and marriage.

Nearly 341 people, both men and women, took part in the study and were observed when aged between 18 and 25 years. The researchers interviewed the participants about their stress levels when they were aged 32 and also noted their opinion on the quality of personal relationships at age 43.

The findings revealed participants who exhibited symptoms of depression and anger in their teens went through a divorce, domestic violence and led a dysfunctional life, 25 years later

"We assume or hope that high school experiences fade away and don't necessarily resonate 25 years later. The fact that symptoms of depression and expressions of anger can endure over many large events in life shows how important it is to deal with mental health early," said Mathew Johnson, study author and assistant professor of human ecology in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta in a press release.

"Sometimes, problems don't just dissipate. How you grow and change over those early years becomes crucial to future happiness."

The study emphasizes on the need to recognize and treat mental health issues that prevails in the early years to avoid bitter problems like divorce and martial abuse in couple relations 

"Recognizing the fact that where they are in their couple relationship now is likely shaped by earlier chapters in their lives. It's not only your partner's current behavior or your current behavior shaping your relationship, but the story you bring with you," added Prof Johnson.

More information is available online in the journal of Family Psychology.