Signs Of Depression In Teens
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Depression is a mental health disorder that may be experienced at almost any stage of life, but the mental health challenges during the teenage years are critical if not the most crucial. While there are common symptoms between adults and teenagers with this mental illness, the natural fluctuations of mood and behavior during adolescence can make it harder to identify in young people. Learning more about how depression can manifest in teenagers can equip you to take the appropriate measures if you ever notice concerning symptoms in your adolescent child.
What is depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental illness that affects one in seven people between the ages of 10 and 19 globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It’s a serious condition because it has the potential to impact almost every aspect of an individual’s life, from daily functioning to relationships to eating and sleeping patterns.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guidebook for diagnosing mental health conditions, categorizes MDD as a depressive disorder. It’s characterized by a persistently depressed mood, unexplained physical symptoms, extreme sensitivity to rejections or failures, and a waning interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Untreated depression can have serious consequences, such as a decline in school performance, substance abuse, or even suicide attempts.
When a person experiences multiple MDD symptoms that last for more than two weeks, a mental health professional with experience in child and adolescent psychiatry may diagnose them with the disorder. Mental health professionals are knowledgeable enough on how to treat depression in teenagers; they can recommend a treatment plan that's tailored to the individual. Treatment plans may include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. It’s important to note that depression is a serious condition that’s unlikely to resolve on its own without treatment.
Symptoms of depression in teenagers
People go through many changes in almost every area of life during their adolescent years. As such, they may exhibit symptoms from the list below but not have a mental health disorder such as depression; they may simply be experiencing the tumult that can come with growing up. So how do you know how to identify the signs of depression in teens? First, doing what you can to keep the lines of communication open with them can help. If you’ve shown them that you can be a nonjudgmental listener, they’re more likely to come to you if they feel they have a mental health problem. Next, pay special attention to whether these symptoms seem to be interfering with your child’s daily functioning. If their school performance is slipping, their chores or personal hygiene no longer get taken care of, and they no longer seem motivated to hang out with friends or do things they love, these may be cause for concern.
It’s also important to understand the risk factors associated with depression in teens, such as a history of physical or sexual abuse, drug or alcohol abuse, and family who have other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder.
Note that a mental health professional typically requires that multiple teen depression signs and symptoms be present for more than two weeks to qualify as MDD. If you’re unsure, seeking the advice of a licensed professional is usually a wise next step—especially since symptoms of adolescent depression may overlap with those of other mental health disorders, such as bipolar or personality disorder. Remember, only a trained mental health professional can offer an accurate diagnosis.
The most common signs of depression in teens
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Frequent crying
- Intensely negative thinking
- Irritability
- Drug abuse
- Being overly critical of themselves
- Inability to concentrate
- Trouble making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Significant fluctuations in sleep or eating habits
- No longer showing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Withdrawing or self-isolating
Symptoms that may require immediate action
While the major depression symptoms listed above can be alarming for any parent or guardian, certain symptoms may be a more significant cause for concern and require them to take action right away. For example, if you’ve discovered that your teenager has begun to abuse alcohol, self-harm, be preoccupied with death, express suicidal thoughts, or engage in suicidal attempts, it’s usually crucial to get them immediate support from a mental health professional. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available 24/7. Connecting your child with a mental health professional who specializes in adolescents is typically the immediate next course of action. Signs of depression in teenagers might be difficult to manage, but they must be prioritized.
Treatment for depression in teenagers
The disturbing symptoms of teen depression explained the need that this mental health problem needs to be treated. As with many other mental health issues, the treatment for depression in teens often involves psychotherapy—sometimes in combination with medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and thoughts of suicide
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of psychotherapy for those experiencing adolescent depression or other affective disorders such as bipolar disorder. It’s based on the idea that thoughts cause feelings and behaviors, so the goal of practicing it is to help the individual recognize and shift flawed or otherwise unhelpful thought patterns. A trained mental health professional can guide your teenager through this process over time, in addition to giving them a safe space to explore difficult emotions and helping them identify strategies for managing their symptoms.
Finding the right mental health professional
It’s important to note that teenagers often fare better during mental health treatment when their needs and opinions are taken into account in the process. One study found that teenagers are more likely to accept treatment—and therefore benefit from it—when their provider makes an effort to establish rapport, learn information about their disorder, and include them in the decision-making process related to their mental health care. Both the teenager and their parents or guardians should be comfortable with the treatment plan, such as the teenage rehabilitation program that the provider lays out for them. If any party has a concern about some part of it, they should feel free to disseminate it.
Tips that can help increase treatment effectiveness
There are a variety of other lifestyle changes that may help your teenager better manage their symptoms and allow their treatment to be more effective. If your teen has been diagnosed with depression, supporting them in developing healthy habits like the following can be helpful. If your teen is not currently experiencing any symptoms of a mental illness, encouraging them to prioritize the following can still help them remain in good mental health.
Get regular exercise
Getting enough physical activity can offer both teens and adults a host of physical and mental health benefits. It’s well-known to be a mood-booster, especially when done outside in the sun. Additionally, some studies even suggest that exercise promotes nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, which may help relieve or reduce symptoms of depression.
Lean on loved ones
Studies show that having a strong social support system is associated with a lower risk of both physical and mental health problems, from heart disease and obesity to anxiety and depression.
Do it together
Family therapy can also be beneficial in helping depressed teenagers work through their struggles. It may allow them to talk openly about difficult topics and focus on developing better coping skills.
Get enough sleep
Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to fuel the growth and change their bodies and minds are going through. Enough rest can be helpful in seeing things with a more balanced perspective and having more control over one’s emotions.
Eat well
Research also shows that eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce symptoms of depression and other health problems. According to experts, it should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit processed foods for the best results.
How therapy can make a difference
As mentioned above, psychotherapy will typically be part of your teenager’s treatment plan if they’re diagnosed with depression. In-person therapy is the traditional option. If your teen prefers this treatment method, you can look for a provider in your local area. If they’d feel more comfortable with a virtual option, you might consider an online therapy platform like TeenCounseling. You might ask "How do I know if my teenager needs counseling?"
With your consent, it can match your child with a provider they can meet with via phone, video call, and/or online chat. Since research shows that in-person and online therapy can offer similar mental health benefits, your teenager can choose the format that feels right for them. Note, however, that for severe cases, such as a teenager having thoughts of suicide or engaging in substance abuse, virtual therapy may not be a recommended option.
Takeaway
Teen depression is a serious mental illness that can impact virtually every aspect of a person’s life. If you start to notice signs of clinical depression in your teenager, taking action to get them the treatment they may need is usually an important next step. Getting professional support may even decrease the risk of suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt among teenagers. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers a variety of resources for families and individuals to learn more about teen depression, as well as information on how to find treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. With the right help, teens can start to feel better and gain back control of their lives. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get the support you need.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the main cause of depression in youth?
Truthfully, there are many potential causes of depression among adolescents. Issues such as low self-esteem, peer pressure, academic pressure, and bullying can all contribute to mental health issues. Depression is also linked with alcohol consumption. Teenage drinking in the US is now a major issue. Research has shown that drinking in teens can indicate mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
These mental health issues can also be caused by trouble at home. Just about any type of stress has the potential to cause mental health issues such as MDD. If your teen’s behavior seems off, then it’s possible that they might be depressed.
You can’t determine what is causing the depression until you look at the situation closer to see what is happening. Family conflict can sometimes cause poor mental health, and even a family history of MDD can play a role. Something as simple as fighting with a friend or family could be a sign of MDD in a teenager. Mental disorders like this are tough to cope with alone, and need assistance.
Luckily, there are many health treatment options that you can look into. The American Psychiatric Association notes that MDD is a manageable condition. Going to a doctor allows your child to get a diagnosis, treatment, and support. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a doctor if you suspect that your teen needs health treatment. Family should be there to support adolescents as they seek help for these mental health issues. MDD can be difficult to cope with, and everyone deserves to have health treatment professionals on their side.
What are the signs of anxiety in a teenager?
Depressed adolescents can also demonstrate symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers won’t be all that different than in adults. Many adolescents who are experiencing anxiety might try to avoid social activities or school activities. They could seem distant or more worried than normal. You might even see anxiety present itself physically in the form of chest pains or trembling.
The signs of anxiety can be subtle, or they can be very pronounced. Each person experiences anxiety a little bit differently, and you can’t say for sure how difficult something is for your child. Mental health issues such as anxiety can be very problematic for adolescents, and your child will need support to get through this. Thankfully, anxiety is a treatable condition and can be managed with medications and therapy, just like depression.
Seeking out health treatment is very important when you’re going through anxiety issues. Anxiety can make it tough to get through life. Having the support of family is great when you’re experiencing anxiety, but adolescents do need professional help as well. Seek out health treatment services so that your teen can mitigate anxiety symptoms.
Does my teenager have a mental illness?
If your teenager is exhibiting some of these symptoms, then they might have a mental illness. However, it’s important to note that it isn’t up to you to make that determination. You cannot self-diagnose a mental illness, and your child needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional. If you suspect that your child is struggling with mental health issues such as MDD or anxiety, then making an appointment with their doctor is for the best.
Your family doctor can handle the diagnosis and treatment and determine how to move forward. Don’t assume that your children have mental illnesses without checking with a doctor. Children of all ages need to be diagnosed properly so that they can receive the right treatment. Your doctor will be happy to provide the health services that you need, and you can go forward from there.
Is it normal to have mood swings as a teenager?
Yes, mood swings can occur as a normal part of adolescent life. Teenagers are going through changes, and they can experience hormonal issues that will make them irritable sometimes. It isn’t unusual to see someone who is going through puberty to change a bit in terms of attitude. This can also present itself as mood swings, but you should note that mood swings can also be indicative of mental health issues.
Essentially, you can’t point to just mood swings when you suspect that your child is depressed or experiencing anxiety. There are many reasons why adolescents exhibit mood swings. You have to look at the other symptoms of depression or anxiety while also considering the context of what is going on in your teen’s life. You can help your teen whether they are dealing with normal mood swings or if they’re struggling with mental health issues. Just contact the right health treatment services to get things going.
Which age group is the most depressed?
According to recent studies, middle-aged people experience MDD at the highest rates. In America, middle-aged women (women ages 40 to 59) have the highest depression rate. One out of every eight women in America struggles with mental health issues such as MDD.
This doesn’t mean that other age groups are unlikely to experience this disorder, though. Teens can go through mental health struggles just as easily as adults can, and they need health treatment services that they can rely on.
What happens in the brain during depression?
The brain produces excessive amounts of cortisol in an individual with MDD. This also happens when someone goes through physical or emotional stress. When the brain produces too much cortisol, this can lead to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Those who experience consistent depression might have trouble with the production of new neurons. Eventually, this can lead to issues with memory as a person grows older, but it’s more prevalent in people who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
MDD also has the potential to enlarge the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that handles emotional responses such as fear and pleasure. Having an enlarged amygdala can cause sleep problems, and it can also interrupt activity patterns. Sometimes the body might release more hormones than usual, too, which can complicate things even more.
You can see that MDD has a big impact on the brain, and this is why it’s so important to seek out health treatment services. You need to be able to get the help that you need so that you can move forward. MDD is treatable, and you can turn to health treatment services to figure things out. When MDD is treated properly, it makes it much easier to avoid the complications mentioned above. Seek out the treatment services that your teen needs today.
At what age does mental illness start?
There isn’t necessarily an age where mental illness will start. There are some cases where children will experience mental health issues. You might find that some people will start to struggle with mental health problems when they reach their teenage years, while others won’t have issues until they’re well into adulthood. It’s a case-by-case type of thing, and you can pinpoint a specific age when mental illness is going to start.
Don’t assume that your children and teens are too young to go through mental health issues. Health treatment is available for children and teens who are struggling. You can turn to a doctor for diagnosis, treatment, and support even when your children are still young. Having the right treatment services available can make a difference. You should also be committed to being there for your kids. The support of family can mean the world when you’re experiencing mental health complications so young.
What race suffers from depression the most?
has shown that all races are susceptible to depression. However, it should be noted that there are some variances in the numbers. Mental disorders can be experienced by any race, but environmental and societal factors could play a role in producing these numbers. Either way, people need to seek health treatment when they suspect that they might be depressed.
What gender is more likely to experience depression?
People can experience mental health struggles such as MDD regardless of gender identity. It has been noted that middle-aged women experience depression at the highest rate in America. The American Psychiatric Association has lots that show that depression rates are generally higher in females after puberty. Please keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that it is unusual for males to be depressed. MDD is a mental health struggle that millions of people have to deal with regardless of gender.
If you suspect that you’re experiencing mental health issues such as MDD, then you should seek health treatment. Sometimes men make the mistake of not seeking treatment because they fear that it will make them look weak. Men’s health is important, and this includes mental health. Don’t let your gender keep you from getting health treatment when you’re going through mental health struggles. Seeking the right health treatment now could mean the difference between coping successfully and struggling in life.
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What are the first signs of depression in teens?
Can high school cause depression?
What does depression look like in school?
Can cognitive behavioral therapy help overcome thoughts of suicide?
When can a mental health professional diagnose depression?
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