Are you concerned that your teenager may be struggling with depression? Unfortunately, depression is a common challenge for teens today, and it is essential to recognize the signs.

In this blog post, we'll explore the symptoms of teenage depression and discuss proven strategies to help your teen cope with their emotions healthily.

Suppose your teen has been exhibiting unusual changes in behavior, withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, or expressing sadness or hopelessness. In that case, this blog can provide helpful information on how to find help for their improved mental health Los Angeles and support them moving forward.

Recognizing Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is a serious issue, often under-recognized and overlooked. While sadness or being "down" are normal reactions to life's struggles, especially during the teenage years, prolonged periods of hopelessness or helplessness may be signs of depression.

Parents and caregivers must pay close attention to any changes in their adolescent's behavior that could be indicators of depression so they can intervene with appropriate treatment and treat depression. Without proper identification and management, depression can negatively impact the teenager's mental health.

Educating yourself about what teenage depression looks like, possible triggers for it, and available resources to manage it will help you identify when your teen might need additional support and equip you to ensure that support is effectively provided.

Types of Depression in Teens

The primary types of depression most commonly occurring in teenagers are:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

This type of depression is characterized by prolonged periods of low mood, diminished motivation and interest in activities previously enjoyed, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and changes in sleep patterns.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

This type of depression is characterized by a low mood that lasts for two or more years and may include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite.

Bipolar Disorder

Extreme shifts characterize this type of depression in mood from extreme highs to extreme lows. It commonly affects teenagers between the ages of 15-24.

Postpartum Depression

This type of depression is characterized by sadness or despair following a pregnancy, which can last up to a year after the birth of a child.

What Are The Symptoms of Teen Depression?

It's not always easy to recognize the signs of teenage depression, as adolescents can be moody and often go through fluctuations in behavior.

That said, some tell-tale signs may point to a more severe problem.

Common symptoms of depression in teenagers include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little)

• Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)

• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Extreme irritability, anxiety, or agitation

• Withdrawal from social activities or isolation

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

If you notice any combination of the above symptoms, it may signify that your teenager is struggling with depression.

Be sure to take action and seek help for them as soon as possible.

Causes of Teen Depression

Various factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences, can cause depression.

Biological causes might include a family history of mental health issues or an imbalance in brain chemicals. Psychological triggers include unresolved trauma, school or relationship stress, or negative thinking patterns. Environmental influences could involve anything from bullying at school to a significant life change.

No matter what the cause, it is essential for parents and caregivers to understand that depression is a severe mental health issue and should be treated as such.

How is Teen Depression Diagnosed?

If you think your teenager is experiencing depression, the first step is to contact a mental health professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis.

After completing the initial assessment, they can determine the best treatment for your teen's mental health. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination.

Additionally, the mental health professional can provide you and your child with strategies to manage the symptoms of depression in their day-to-day life. This may include establishing healthy habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and active social life.

How is Teen Depression Treated?

Once a diagnosis of teenage depression is made, treatment will be tailored to your teen's specific needs. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves working with a mental health professional to identify the underlying cause behind their depression and actively work on managing it.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help your teen identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones.

Medication

In cases of more severe depression, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms.

It is important to note that medication shall always be taken under the advice of a mental health professional, as it can have serious side effects.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to other forms of treatment, lifestyle changes can also be incredibly beneficial for managing depression.

Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise and adequate sleep, in conjunction with psychotherapy and/or medication can give your teen the best chance of recovering from depression.

What are the Possible Complications of Major Depression in a Teen?

During severe depression, a person can have multiple symptoms if they are not treated by a mental health professional immediately. This could cause relationship and social challenges.

Depressive symptoms are linked with an increased chance of suicide. This risk increases if struggling teens also deal with other mental illness symptoms. This includes behavior disorders and drug use. It applies primarily to teenage boys.

What Are The Warning Signs For Teen Suicide?

Teenage suicide is a significant issue. In the United States, accidents are the top cause of mortality for kids and young adults, with adolescent suicide coming in second. An estimated 500,000 teenagers attempt suicide annually, with 5,000 succeeding. These figures are epidemic-level.

Negative emotions and depression can be brought on by problems in the family, the death of a loved one, or the perception of failure in work, relationships, or school. Additionally, teen depression frequently makes issues appear insurmountable and the agony they cause intolerable. Teenage depression is often the underlying factor for this desperate suicide attempt.

The following are warning signals of teen despair and suicide:

  • Expressing a lack of optimism for the future

  • Giving up on oneself and acting like no one else is listening

  • Making a will, donating cherished items, sending farewell notes, or getting ready for death

  • Beginning to misuse or abuse alcohol or drugs to have better sleep or to cope with their mental suffering

  • Defiant conduct

  • Acting aggressively

  • Threatening to commit suicide

You should immediately seek professional assistance from a mental health expert if your adolescent exhibits any of these behaviors. Or you can get support by calling a suicide hotline.

What Can Parents Do To Help Teenagers Who Are Depressed?

Depression can be difficult and scary for teenagers, but it doesn’t have to be hopeless. There are numerous things that parents can do to help their children who are struggling with depression.

First and foremost, parents should listen without judgment or criticism to create a supportive environment for their children.

Parents should also encourage their children to seek professional help. They should also provide guidance and support such as helping them find a therapist that they are comfortable with, or accompanying them to appointments if needed.

In addition, parents can provide resources on mental health topics and help teens stay informed about their condition.

Finally, parents should emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising, eating nutritious foods, and getting adequate sleep.

By employing these strategies, parents can help their teens manage their depression and get the support they need to lead healthful and productive lives.

Find Help Near You

Depression can be challenging to cope with alone, so teens and their families need to find support. Many resources are available if you are looking for a mental health professional near you.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) supplies listings of mental health providers in your area and other valuable information and support.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also has a national helpline available 24/7 that offers confidential advice on finding local mental health services.

Additionally, numerous online resources can provide help and resources for teen's depression or suicidal thoughts. Talking to family members, friends, or teachers is also an option. No matter the source of help, it is essential to talk openly and honestly about mental disorders to find the best solution for each individual.

Posted
AuthorCarla Snuggs
CategoriesWellness