Alcohol Abuse Advice

Signs Of Depression In Your Teenager

Depression is something that all of us deal with at some point, on some level.  In some cases, it can become a serious emotional and psychological condition, and has been known to lead to cases of destructive behavior and even suicide if not properly treated.

While depression is common and commonly discussed among adults, it is also quite common among teenagers.  Unfortunately it is often dismissed as mood swings or other forms of temperament commonly associated with young people.  Whatever the age, depression is a very real problem that needs to be addressed.

Most teenagers are able to balance the usual angst with solid friendships, academic success, or extracurricular activities, but depression can completely destroy your teenager’s personality, replacing it with an overwhelming sense of anguish, hopelessness, or anger.

It isn’t currently known if teen depression is on the rise or if we as a society are just becoming more aware of it, but either way, depression among teenagers is far more prevalent than many people think.  Unfortunately, only about 20% of those afflicted ever seek any kind of serious help.  Whereas adults are able to seek assistance on their own, teens are more at the mercy of parents or teachers, many of whom all too often dismiss the obvious signs as typical teenage emotional swings.

The symptoms of depression are much the same in teens as they are in adults.  Some of the warning signs include an overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness, anger/hostility, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends, family, or social situations, or restlessness and agitation.  Depression may also be marked by feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of motivation, extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

There are however, differences in how depression manifests itself in teenagers as opposed to adults.

Irritability may be more likely in teens as opposed to sadness.  A depressed teen may be grumpy, openly hostile, or prone to outbursts of anger.

Depressed teenagers also often complain about stomach problems or headaches.  If a thorough medical exam does not reveal a reason for these symptoms, you should probably consider treatment for depression.

Adults tend to isolate themselves when they are depressed, however teenagers tend to hold onto at least a few friendships.  It is quite common for them to distance themselves from their parents, or start hanging out with a completely different crowd.

Left untreated, depression can have some rather extreme results in the lives of teenagers;

Depression may cause trouble at school and with grades, the result of a lack of ability to concentrate and low energy/fatigue problems.

Teens may begin using alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate or counter the effects of their depression.  Some may talk about running away, or actually attempt to do so.

Depression can trigger and augment feelings of worthlessness, failure, and shame.  Often the byproduct is manifested in eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and yo yo dieting.

Teens may also turn to high risk activities such as drinking, drug use, or unsafe sex, as well as self-mutilation such as cutting or burning.

In extreme cases, teens may talk about or even attempt suicide.  Suicide talk should never be taken lightly.  If your teen is talking about ending their life, take it seriously and get help immediately.

If you suspect that your teen is suffering from depression, it is important to talk to them about it, openly and honestly.  Tell them what signs you have seen in them and see if you can open up a dialogue.

Let them know that you are there for them, but hold back from asking too many questions (not much will shut a teenager down like feeling crowded or pressured).  If they do shut you out, be respectful of your child’s needs and comfort level, but emphasize your concern and readiness to listen.

Once your teen does open up and begin to talk, resist the urge to lecture them.  Let them get it out.  Sometimes talking does a lot for alleviating the condition.

Be sure to validate their feelings, even if you don’t get it; realize that the feelings are very real to them.  Acknowledge what they are feeling and sympathize as best you can.

When seeking treatment, you should first contact your primary care physician to eliminate any health issues as a possible cause.  Your doctor can then refer you to a specialist designed to work with symptoms of depression.

Expect a discussion with the specialist you’ve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication.

Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan.