The teen years are laden with so much pressure, beginning with sudden physical changes from puberty to the stress of becoming a young adult with all its social and emotional quirks, and it can be a period of physical, emotional and social upheaval. It is not unusual therefore to observe mood swings and depressed moods. Teen depression can have so many causes and because mood shifts can be so common in teens, it can make it difficult to recognize the signs and for doctors to make a diagnosis. But teen depression goes beyond moodiness. It’s a serious health problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. While occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected during the teenage years, depression is something different. The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Depression can destroy the essence of a teen’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.
Are you sad or irritable most of the day, most days in a week for at least two weeks?
Have you lost interest in things that you used to really enjoy?
Have your eating or sleeping habits changed?
Do you have very little energy, very little motivation to do much of anything?
Do you feel worthless, hopeless about the future, or guilty about things that aren’t your fault?
Have your grades dropped, or are you finding it difficult to concentrate?
If you answered yes to more than a few of the above questions or notice similar symptoms in another teen, he/she may have depression that warrants medical attention. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers can be indications of depression. Depressed teens often experience significant emotional and sometimes physical pain, but may not know what to do to make it better or find the help that they need.
What can help?
Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose teen depression. Unlike a stomach virus or the common cold that can be treated with a home remedy, teen depression needs to diagnosed and treated by a doctor, psychiatrist, or other qualified mental health professional. Depression can have a number of different causes that can affect the type of treatment that a doctor recommends.
As parents, it is important to educate yourself about depression so you can have a better idea of what your teen is going through. Be available to listen and encourage your teen to talk to you about anything that might be bothering them. Support your teen’s daily routines, such as taking medications and eating healthy, and make sure your home is a safe, comforting place.
Depression can cause teens to withdraw from friends and family, which can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation. Supportive relationships are important for people of all ages, but it may be especially important for depressed teens who already feel lonely or isolated. Just one friend or supportive adult to talk to can provide a huge benefit to a depressed teen. Encourage your teen to connect or re-connect with friends and to share their feelings.
In addition to professional treatment, lifestyle modifications such as establishing a good sleep schedule, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can help teens feel better.
The teenage years can be really tough and it’s perfectly normal to feel sad or irritable every now and then. But if these feelings don’t go away or become so intense that you feel overwhelmingly hopeless and helpless, you may be suffering from depression. The good news is that you don’t have to feel this way. Help is available—and you have more power over your mood than you may think. No matter how despondent life seems right now, there are many things you can do to change your mood and start feeling better today.
