How to Notice Signs of Depression in Teens & What Parents Can Do to Help Them
Is my teen depressed? For parents of teens, it can be difficult to know how to differentiate between depression and your average teenage growing pains. It can be normal for teens to experience some moodiness due to hormonal changes, peer pressure, and academics—to name a few.
However, if these low moods are consistent and impact the teen socially, academically, or in other areas of their life, then they might be experiencing depression—a serious yet treatable mental health problem.
Find out more about the signs of depression in teenagers, when it’s time to get professional help, and steps you can take as a parent if help is needed.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression in Teens
What are the signs of teen depression? While the symptoms of teen depression can vary depending on the individual, there are some common signs to watch out for. If you’re a parent, then it might seem like your teen is simply “acting out,” but it could be that they are struggling to cope with severe pain. If any of the following occur frequently, then your teen could be dealing with adolescent depression.
Persistent Negative Mood
Everyone feels down or discouraged from time to time, and sometimes longer periods of sadness can be normal—especially after going through a difficult event. With depression, these negative emotions can seem to come from nowhere. They might include frequent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a negative outlook on life in general.
Low Self-Esteem
While it’s common for teens to struggle with body image, depression can make these emotions stronger and more consuming. Depression can create other self-image problems, including feelings of shame, failure, and unworthiness.
Outbursts of Anger
Depressed teens don’t always appear to be sad or to struggle with a low self-esteem. Instead, some teens deal with their negative emotions through aggression. This can include frequent yelling, or they might become violent or get in trouble at school for bullying their peers.
Academic Decline
Is your teen having problems at school? Depression can make your teen feel tired and cause difficulty concentrating. If your teen has a sudden drop in grades, or they’ve missed a lot of classes, this could be a sign of depression.
Isolation or Withdrawal
It can be normal for teens to want a little more space than they did when they were younger. However, if your teen is spending more time alone in his or her room, or if they are withdrawing from their friends, then this could be a cause for concern.
Lack of Interest or Motivation
Lack of motivation does not necessarily mean that your teen is lazy. If your teen doesn’t complete their chores or schoolwork like they used to, or if they no longer have an interest in hobbies or sports that they once loved, then depression could be to blame.
Changes in Sleep or Eating
Depressed teens often have sleep difficulties. This might mean sleeping too much or sleeping too little. The same is true for eating habits. Depression can cause teens to eat more or less than normal, which can sometimes develop into an eating disorder.
Drug or Alcohol Use
Teens sometimes use drugs and/or alcohol in attempts to dull their negative emotions. However, this typically backfires, leading to worsening symptoms. They could also develop substance abuse issues, which sets the stage for a range of mental health problems now and in the future.
Smartphone/Screen Addiction
Addictions develop when teens try to distract themselves from what’s going on inside of them. Today, drugs and alcohol aren’t the only forms of self-medication. Teens can become addicted to their smartphones, tablets, or video games as well.
Reckless Behavior
Risk taking can be normal for teenagers, especially for boys. However, some depressed teens will go to great, even risky, lengths to mask their pain. This can include engaging in dangerous behaviors, like driving too fast, promiscuity, or acts of self-harm.
When It’s Time to Get Help for Teen Depression
How do you know when to seek out help for teen depression? If any of the less risky signs or symptoms listed above persist for more than a few weeks, then it’s time to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. If your teen could be a danger to themselves or others, then get help right away.
Depression and Suicide
Depression can be serious, even leading to suicidal thoughts and actions. If your teen has said things like, “I wish I were dead,” talked about people being better off without them, or if you have any reason to think that your teen might do themselves harm, then get help immediately. Call 911 or contact a local Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC Can Help with Teenage Depression
Depression affects one in five teens in the United States, but not all of them get the help that they need. Don’t watch your teen wilt away. Help him or her regain a healthy sense of self and a positive outlook on life with counseling for teenage depression.
If you’re looking for teen depression counseling from a Christian perspective, then contact Sojourner Counseling. We provide teen depression Christian counseling in Raleigh, NC. Our licensed Christian therapists provide proven methods for depression treatment along with faith-based support in a safe, compassionate environment. Contact us anytime to learn more about Christian counseling for depressed teens.