About 13% of teenagers in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode within a year. Unfortunately, teen depression is on the rise.
Teen depression is growing rapidly and it’s leading to devastating outcomes for some of those affected.
If you’re wondering about teen depression and how to spot it, keep reading.
Depression in Teens
Teen depression is serious. Like adults, teenagers can become overwhelmed by symptoms of depression, leading to debilitating outcomes.
Unique issues during the teen years exacerbate depression.
Depression in teens becomes compounded by exposure to high academic expectations, peer pressure, changing bodies, uncertainty about the future, and more.
Symptoms of Teen Depression
Some ups and downs for teens may be normal, but depression is a consistent low that doesn’t seem to let up.
There are emotional and behavioral changes that come with teen depression. And, these may lead to physical and social changes.
Here are some common emotional signs of teen depression:
- Irritability
- Easily annoyed
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble thinking
- Poor decision making
- Poor memory
- Feelings of sadness which may include unexplained crying spells.
- Feelings of anger and frustration, even with small problems
- Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of impending doom
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Loss of interest in family or friends
- Fixation on failures
- Fixation on death and dying
Behavioral signs like these can give some insight into the mental health of your teenager.
Here are some common behavioral signs of teen depression:
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Outbursts of anger
- Disruptive behavior
- Risky behavior
- Slowed body movements
- Slowed thinking
- Slowed speaking
- Social isolation
- Sleeping problems, including sleeping too little or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Frequent body aches which may lead to many visits to the school nurse
- Poor personal hygiene
- Poor maintenance of the appearance
- Evidence of self-harm
- Evidence of a suicide plan or suicide attempt
If your teenager is displaying any of these symptoms, consider licensed teen counseling. They may be apprehensive at first, but this is best for them in the long run.
Is My Teenager Depressed?
The best way to tell if your teenager is depressed is by paying attention.
Ask them questions. Learn about their day. Consider their habits and any recent changes.
Unfortunately, some depressed teenagers are great at hiding their emotions. But, you should always let them know that you’re there for them, no matter what they’re feeling.
If you’re feeling uneasy about their mental health, you should get a psychiatric evaluation for them. You’ll never regret checking in.
Depression Counseling for Teenagers
Teen depression is a hard concept to talk about. You may feel uncomfortable bringing it up with your teenager. But, it’s necessary to break the stigma and let your teen know that you’re there for them.
If you feel that your teenager may need depression counseling, you should turn to Honor Your Emotions.
We specializing in providing depression counseling online that can help your teen through their journey with depression.
Call (925) 577-4732 today for a free consultation!
Honor Your Emotions is a therapy practice in Dublin, CA serving the East Bay Area including Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore and Danville.
More Posts About Anxiety & Depression:
