Common Depression Symptoms To Watch For With Teens

By Jean Farley


If you are the parent of a teen then you may feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster ride, with some days being much more stable and less volatile than others. A common reaction is that it is just hormones, and that the difficult times will eventually pass. If your child is suffering from depression then they need help though, and this will not go away without treatment. How can you tell the difference? There are some symptoms that you should watch for, and if you are not sure then you should consult a professional in this area of medicine.

Roughly 20% of teenagers struggle with this form of mental disorder at some period, and the #3 cause of death in this age group is suicide. If you notice that your child seems to suffer from sliding grades or poor performance academically then this may be a sign that professional help is needed. Trouble with relationships, substance abuse, and high risk behaviors like promiscuity or adrenaline seeking activities that are dangerous may be a cry for treatment.

Depressed teens will often make vague complaints about illnesses or pain even though nothing appears to be physically wrong with them. They may stop enjoying the things that they used to and may become more reserved and seem sad most of the time. Changes in eating habits, anxiety, anger, and irritability can also be symptoms of depression.

Sleeping problems are also a common complaint in teens who are suffering from depression. You may notice that your son or daughter sleeps much more than usual but they do not wake up rested. Insomnia may also occur, and the teen may be very tired because they can not get into a restful sleep and stay that way for any extended period. This can have an impact on focus and concentration, and can also cause educational difficulties.

Any comments about harming themselves or others should be immediately addressed by a medical professional. This is not something that you should ever hesitate on. If your teen is suffering from depression, their chances of considering or attempting suicide are greatly increased. Unfortunately, many teens succeed on their first attempt, so it is important to seek help early. Therapy can involve a lot of trial and error to find the best combination of medications and psychological help and it may take some time to see significant improvement.




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