Recently, you may have noticed that your teenager keeps getting in trouble at school, spends hours alone in their room, and doesn’t want to participate in family activities. Adolescent depression might initially seem like misbehavior or “teenage angst,” but when issues persist or get worse, your child might be one of the millions of teenagers who report having at least one major depressive episode.
When left untreated, mental illness often follows teenagers in adulthood, making it difficult for them to form relationships, excel in college, and find steady employment. Acting quickly can help your child find relief and start enjoying life again. Seeking help from a psychiatric specialist could be the right avenue for your teen.
What Are the Signs of Teenage Depression?
Depression manifests differently in everyone, but common symptoms include:
The bad mood that lasts for at least two weeks
Negative attitude toward themselves
Little interest in activities that they once enjoyed
Oversleeping or difficulty falling asleep
Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches, stomaches and body aches
Appetite loss or overeating
Withdrawal from friends and social activities
Trouble concentrating
A sudden drop in grades
Discussions of death or claims that life is meaningless
Suicidal threats
Your child might not be receptive when you bring up the subject. In fact, they might not even realize that they’re depressed. However, they need someone to intervene before it gets worse.
What Causes Adolescent Depression?
Depression has various causes, including:
Genetics
Chemical imbalances
Academic stress
Grief or trauma
Bullying
Hormonal changes
How Can You Help a Depressed Teenager?
To start, talk to your child and explain that you’re concerned about their behavior. Avoid asking questions, such as “Why are you so depressed all the time?”, that make them feel guilty and defensive. Instead, discuss the changes that you’ve noticed and emphasize that you’re always here if they need to talk.
If depression runs in the family, your child might have inherited the disorder. A psychiatrist could prescribe medication that restores chemical imbalances and makes the brain produce the right amount of “happy” chemicals.
Teenagers who have experienced bullying, abuse, trauma, or grief might need psychological help. A therapist provides a compassionate, non-judgmental environment for them to discuss their struggles and develop better coping skills. Medication often accompanies talk therapy, but some patients prefer to go without.
Why it’s Important to Seek Help
Mental illness can disrupt one of your child’s most formative periods. Instead of making fond memories of visiting friends, getting their driver’s license and participating in extracurriculars, they struggle with fatigue, isolation and feelings of worthlessness. They miss out on important milestones and look back on their teenage years with regret.
Depressive periods also trap your adolescent in negative thinking patterns. When they feel bad about themselves for weeks or months, they might turn to self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm, drug use, or suicide attempts.
Discussing mental health can be a difficult conversation, but it shows your child that you care. If you have questions, try reaching out to a therapist about your next steps.
