Teens are moody, so eyes overlook the chance to notice the symptoms of depression in teens. As teens grow and change, they undergo many emotional, cognitive, and physical changes. This can lead to mood swings and challenging days, making it tough for parents to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and severe signs of depression. It’s normal for teens to feel down sometimes, especially with all the hormonal and life changes they face.
Depression has become increasingly common among American teenagers. Although 1 in 8 teens has depression, the good news is that it’s treatable, and getting a professional can make a big difference. In a discussion, Michael shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to discovering Metallica and working with stars like Cindy Lauper. He opens up about his struggles with depression and addiction, including how his company helped him get into rehab. Michael talks about the challenges of withdrawal, relapses, and severe health issues but highlights a turning point when he hears, “You don’t have to do this anymore.” Despite the difficulties, Michael is grateful for his path to sobriety. This episode offers valuable insights into what people are going through and how to help them during this crucial time.
The intensity and duration of a teen’s emotions and behaviors can signal depression. This article highlights symptoms of depression in teens and how to recognize these signs. Read on!
What is Teen Depression?
Teen depression is a severe issue that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how a teen thinks, feels, and behaves, leading to emotional and physical problems. Symptoms can differ between teens and adults, and the unique challenges teens face—like peer pressure and academic stress—can make their lows feel more intense.
Symptoms of depression in teens include withdrawal from activities, changes in mood, appetite, energy levels, sleep patterns, and academic performance. Without treatment, teenage depression can disrupt relationships, affect school performance, and hinder future opportunities, including work, college, and forming genuine connections with others.
Depression isn’t a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. It requires long-term treatment, such as medication and counseling. With proper care, most teens see improvement in their symptoms.
Symptoms of Depression in Teens
Teen depression can lead to major changes in attitude and behavior, affecting school, home, and social life. Symptoms may vary, but common signs include:
- Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
- Increased frustration or anger over small issues
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Persistent tiredness and low energy
- Social isolation and poor school performance
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
What Causes Depression in Teens
There are many reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For instance, academic struggles or feelings of inadequacy about grades can lead to depression. Factors such as social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family issues can also significantly impact a teen’s emotions. Sometimes, environmental stressors play a role as well.
There isn’t one single cause of teen depression; it often results from a mix of factors:
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Brain Differences
Research shows that adolescents have structural differences in their brains compared to adults. Teens with depression may also experience imbalances in hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for mood regulation.
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Traumatic Early Life Events
Children exposed to traumatic events, such as the loss of a parent, abuse, or significant emotional stress, might develop depression. These early experiences can impact their emotional health and brain development.
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Inherited Traits
Depression can have a genetic component. If a teen has close family members with depression, especially parents, they may be more likely to experience it themselves.
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Negative Thinking Patterns
Teens regularly exposed to negative thinking, particularly from parents or caregivers, might learn to adopt these pessimistic views. This can contribute to the development of depression, as they may not have positive role models or coping strategies to handle challenges effectively.
Research from 2021 indicates that a family history of mental illness and experiences of sexual abuse significantly increase the risk of developing depression. Additionally, exposure to bullying during early years can also contribute to a higher likelihood of depression.
What are the Risk Factors for Teen Depression?
Depression can begin at any age, but it’s most common in the teenage years or early adulthood. Some teens are at higher risk due to various factors:
- Those with existing mental health conditions like anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use issues.
- Teens with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease.
- Family members with a history of mental illness.
- Dysfunctional family environments or ongoing family conflicts.
- Social difficulties, including problems with friends or at school.
- Learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Experiences of trauma during childhood.
- Low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, or poor coping skills.
- Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially if they lack family support.
How is Teen Depression Diagnosed?
There are no specific medical tests for depression. Healthcare professionals diagnose teen depression through interviews and psychological assessments with the teen, their family, teachers, and peers. The severity of depression and suicide risk are evaluated based on these assessments.
Doctors also check for co-existing issues like anxiety, substance abuse, or complex conditions such as bipolar disorder or psychosis. They assess suicide or homicide risks, noting that attempted suicide and self-harm are more common in females, while completed suicides are higher in males. The 18-24 age group is particularly vulnerable to completed suicides.
Treatments for Teen Depression
1. Talk Therapy
Teens can see a therapist to talk about their feelings. They’ll learn to manage their mood and change negative thinking. Two common types are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps with unhelpful thoughts, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which improves relationships and handles significant life changes.
2. Medicines
Sometimes, doctors suggest antidepressants along with therapy. It can take a few weeks to see results, and finding the right medicine and dose might take time. It’s important to keep the doctor informed about any changes in mood or thoughts.
3. Programs for Severe Depression
For severe cases, intensive treatment options are available. This might include staying in a psychiatric hospital or attending a day program with extra support and counseling.
These treatments can help teens manage symptoms of depression and start feeling better.
FAQs: Symptoms of depression in Teens
Q: Is it normal for a 14-year-old to have depression?
A: Yes, depression can affect teenagers, including 14-year-olds. If you notice signs of depression in your child, it’s crucial to seek help early to prevent it from worsening and affecting their daily life.
Q: What age does depression usually start?
A: Depression often begins in the teens, 20s, or 30s, but it can occur at any age. Although more women are diagnosed with depression, this may be because they are more likely to seek treatment.
Q: How can I tell if my 15-year-old daughter is depressed?
A: Look for signs like feeling hopeless or worthless, a significant drop in school performance, or trouble concentrating. If these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, it could indicate depression.
Q: Can depression be diagnosed with a test?
A: There is no specific lab test for diagnosing depression. However, doctors may conduct blood tests to rule out other health issues that might be causing similar symptoms.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my teen has depression?
A: If you suspect your teen might be depressed, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options.
How Relevance Recovery Can Help You?
At Relevance Behavioral Health, we recognize how the symptoms of depression in teens can have lasting impacts, often carrying into adulthood if left untreated. Teens struggling with prolonged depression may face worsening effects over time.
While medication can ease some symptoms, our personalized treatment plans go deeper, addressing the root causes and teaching teens valuable skills for building resilience and self-esteem. With the right care, teens can overcome these challenges, rediscover joy, and look forward to a brighter future.
