4 Ways to Spot Signs of Depression in Teens
The teenage years can be difficult for so many reasons — one of them being the constant fluctuation of moods. It is normal for adolescents to experience stress, sadness, or irritability due to hormones. Because of these emotional changes, it can be challenging to tell the difference between a normal bout of sadness or signs of a serious mental disorder. Here are 4 ways to indicate if your teen is experiencing depression.
1. Prolonged Sadness or Anger
It is normal for teenagers to have periods of sadness or anger; however, it becomes a concern when these feelings are persistent and long-lasting for no apparent reason.
They may have an extreme reaction to what seemingly is a minor issue and it can be almost impossible to help them through their feelings. You may notice your child starting to mentally spiral, such as overthinking, reading too much into social interactions, or worrying about what other people think.
2. Loss of Interest in Activities
Teens with depression may lose interest in activities they once used to favor. It is natural for adolescents to want to engage in different sports, clubs, and extracurriculars. They may even drop one thing to try something else.
If your child is suddenly not wanting to participate or try something new, this may be a sign of teenage depression. For example, if your kid plays on the baseball team, is involved with student council, and goes out with friends on the weekends, it may be a sign of depression if they suddenly drop all of these activities at once. But, if your teen quits the baseball team to try soccer, this is normal experimentation for their age.
3. Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns
Again, changes in appetite can be natural for a teenager. It becomes an issue when they start to lose weight at an abnormal rate or conversely, when they gain weight with rapid speed.
Similarly, this can be an issue with sleep too. Your child may be sleeping too much and having a difficult time getting out of bed, or they may not be able to sleep at all. Issues with sleep can affect school work, social interactions, and engaging in activities. These changes can also have physical implications on the body and it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
4. Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can often occur with major depressive disorder. Teenagers may be open and honest about them, but it is important to be able to pick up on subtle signs just in case.
Social isolation, giving away prized possessions, and making comments about how better life may be if they're gone are major signs of suicidal ideation. If you notice these signs, address it right away. Treat it like you would a medical emergency and seek help by a professional as soon as possible.
Treatment
Signs of depression should not be ignored. As a parent or caregiver, it can be challenging to determine whether your child is experiencing depression, or just having normal mood changes. Either way, communication is key. Talk with your teen about how they're feeling. Ask how you can best support them through this period of life. Even if you don't understand exactly what they're going through, being there to actively listen can make all the difference.
The next best way to treat depression in teenagers is to seek help from a mental health professional. Counseling is a safe space for your child to learn how to identify and communicate emotions, as well as coping skills and how to manage these feelings in a healthy way. Call and schedule your first session today and help your teenager manage their depression.
