What Are the Signs of Depression in Teenagers?

While it’s quite normal for teens to undergo episodes of moodiness due to the hormonal havoc they are experiencing, if their sadness persists for a couple of weeks or longer or affects other aspects of their wellness, it may be because they are depressed. In some cases, people can work through periods of depression on their own. However, for teens, it can be highly beneficial to receive support from a mental health therapist to manage their stress before it leads to more serious concerns, such as anxiety disorders or depression.

The teenage years are a transitional time; your teen may be going through conflicts in their friendships, struggling to adjust to the pressures of high school, or experiencing body image issues. Due to this, rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems are high among youth. While there are many potential causes of depression among youth, some of them include:

• Stresses of puberty: The hormonal fluctuations that happen during puberty can be stressful and confusing to deal with. Your teenager may experience insecurity about their changing body as well as struggle to control persistent mood swings.

• Genetics: People who have a family history of mental health problems are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with similar concerns. So, if someone in your family has experienced depression in the past, your teenager may be genetically predisposed to this condition.

• Environmental factors: Your teenager’s home environment, social life, and satisfaction at school all influence their mental wellness. Teenagers who experience familial conflicts, are diagnosed with learning disabilities, face bullying, or are exposed to other difficult circumstances are more likely to experience depression.

• Negative thinking patterns: Often, depression is linked with rigid negative thinking patterns. As your teenager is still learning to manage their emotions and the stressors of life, it can be difficult to identify useful strategies for staying mentally well without the support of a professional.

If you’ve noticed a change in your teenager lately and suspect it may be symptoms of depression, it’s important to know what to look for. Some of the key indicators of ongoing unhappiness in your teenager include:

• Low self-esteem.
• Persistent sadness, irritability, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Crying spells.
• Angry outbursts.
• Low mood and energy.
• Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Ongoing self-criticism.
• Poor concentration or memory.
• Changes in appetite.
• Fixation on past failures.
• Poor school performance.
• Sleep problems, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
• Social withdrawal or isolation.
• Decreased attention to personal hygiene.
• Use of alcohol or drugs.
• Thoughts of or attempts at self-harm or suicide.

Your teenager does not need to experience all of these symptoms to be depressed; this mental health condition presents in different ways in different people.

It’s incredibly important to notice signs of depression and support your child before their symptoms interfere with their wellness or lead to drastic actions, such as self-harm or suicide. If you suspect your teenager is having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to get them professional medical care right away. Even if your child is not showing extreme signs of depression, mental health support is highly valuable for preventing the life-threatening risks associated with this condition.

The treatment a mental health professional will prescribe for your teenager will depend on the specific type of depression they have and how their symptoms affect them. Most commonly, a combination of talk therapy and medications is recommended to address teenage depression. In severe cases of depression, your teenager may need to participate in an outpatient or inpatient treatment program, depending on their specific needs. To discuss the treatment options available for your teen who is affected by depression, schedule a consultation session with a reputable mental health treatment specialist near you.

At Success Health System, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care for teenagers struggling with depression. If you notice any signs of depression in your teen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early intervention with the expertise of Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, MD, can pave the way for recovery and a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your teen’s mental well-being. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, Columbia MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Blue Springs MO, Kansas City MO, Midway MO, and surrounding areas.