10 Signs Your Teen Might Be Dealing With Depression

Some people look back on their teenage years with yearning for days gone by.  Others never want to return to those times of strife.  The good news is that most teens make it through ages 12-18 with a stronger sense of self and improved coping skills, despite the fact that these years are filled with hormonal changes, flaring emotions, and increased academic and peer pressure at home, at school, and in the community.  

Teenagers can be moody, sure.  But if you are a parent of a teen reading this post, you may be wondering where your sweet, angelic child has gone.  

How do you know when your suddenly sullen teenager is truly depressed and in need of intervention?  Here are some of the signs to watch for:

1. Your teen has lost interest in the things he or she used to enjoy.  He or she withdraws to his/her room and rarely comes out.

2. Quite suddenly, you notice that your teen's appetite has changed. This can be either an increase or decrease in eating.  Sometimes this is accompanied by weight gain or loss.

3. Your teenager is even more irritable and angry than usual.  

4.  Your teen expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, likely accompanied by a heightened sensitivity to criticism. 

5. Your teenager cries more frequently. 

6. Your teens' grades drop unexpectedly. 

7. Your teenager seems more restless or agitated than usual. 

8. Your teen seems to have trouble concentrating and is always fatigued. 

9. Drug or alcohol use begins or increases.

10. Your teen reports thoughts of wanting to injure him or herself, or wanting to commit suicide. This is a serious warning sign that warrants immediate intervention at your nearest 24-hour mental health clinic or Emergency Room. 

If you are seeing signs of depression in your teenager as mentioned above, or any other atypical emotions or acting-out behaviors for a week or more, please seek the advice of your child’s pediatrician or a licensed therapist who specializes in working with teenagers and depression.  

Fortunately, depression in adolescence is a treatable condition.  Treatment options include individual talk therapy, with a focus on the teaching of coping skills and changing of negative thought-emotion-behavior patterns, family therapy, and medication as needed.  The more time you spend with your teenager during his or her ups and downs, the better equipped you will be to spot the warning signs of true depression.