What Are the Signs of Depression in Teens?

What Are the Signs of Depression in Teens?

Watching your teenager navigate the ups and downs of adolescence can be challenging. It’s a time filled with new social pressures and academic expectations. While moodiness can be a normal part of being a teen, persistent sadness and a loss of interest in life may be signs of something more serious. Teen depression is a significant mental health condition that affects how a teenager thinks, feels and behaves. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting your child the help they need. Our counselors at Catalyst Counseling understand the difficulties you’re facing and are here to help your teen feel better.

Key symptoms of depression to watch for include:

• Lasting feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Increased irritability or anger
• Trouble concentrating or a drop in school performance
• Withdrawing from friends and family

What Are Common Signs of Depression in Teens?

The signs of depression can look different from one teen to another. It’s important to pay attention to any significant changes in your teen’s usual behavior and attitude.

Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness

A teen with depression may experience a deep sadness or a feeling of emptiness that doesn’t go away. They might have crying spells for no clear reason or express a bleak outlook on the future.

Loss of Interest in Activities

A common sign of depression is losing interest in hobbies and activities that once brought joy. This might mean your teen stops wanting to play sports, hang out with friends or engage in their favorite pastimes.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Depression can disrupt sleep. Some teens may struggle with insomnia, while others might sleep excessively. You may notice they are tired all the time, even after a full night’s rest.

Changes in Appetite or Weight

Look for noticeable changes in your teen’s eating habits. This could be a decreased appetite leading to weight loss or, conversely, increased cravings and weight gain.

Irritability or Anger

Teens often become more irritable or prone to angry outbursts when experiencing depression and mood fluctuations. This frustration can be directed at family members and seem to arise over small matters.

Difficulty Concentrating

Depression frequently undermines concentration, memory and decision-making capabilities. You might notice your teen’s grades slipping or that they are struggling to keep up with schoolwork.

Physical Complaints

Unexplained physical ailments, like frequent headaches or stomachaches, can also be a sign of depression. These issues don’t have a clear medical cause and may lead to frequent visits to the school nurse.

Withdrawal from Friends and Family

Social isolation is another key indicator. A teen dealing with depression may pull away from friends and family, preferring to spend most of their time alone.

Low Self-Esteem

Depression often brings on feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-blame. Your teen might be overly critical of themselves or fixate on past failures.

What Should Parents Do If They Believe Their Teen Is Depressed?

If you notice these signs in your teen, it’s important to act with compassion and support.

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your teen to talk about their feelings without judgment. Let them know you’re there to listen.
• Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and guide you toward the right treatment, which may include therapy.
• Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet and a consistent sleep schedule can have a positive impact on mental health.
• Be Patient and Supportive: Recovery is a journey. Offer your unwavering support and celebrate small steps forward.
• Monitor for Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Take any mention of self-harm or suicide seriously. If you have concerns about your teen’s immediate safety, seek emergency help right away.

Therapy Can Help Your Teen Thrive

Recognizing the signs of depression in your teen is a crucial first step toward helping them heal. Early detection and intervention make a difference in their well-being. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

At Catalyst Counseling, our compassionate counselors are trained to support teens and their families. We are here to provide guidance, help you understand your teen’s symptoms, and find an approach that promotes long-term wellness. Contact us today to learn how we can help.