Being a teenager is difficult. Figuring out how to become independent, trying to fit in with their peers, dating, dealing with raging hormones and often juggling academic work with jobs or sports can make any teenager feel moody at times. However, many teenagers aren't just moody, but actually clinically depressed. Parents, loved ones and the teenagers themselves should learn about teenage depression to understand how to deal with this condition and when to get help.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of teenage depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, anger, agitation and hostility. They will often display fatigue or lack of energy, boredom, withdraw from family and friends and have a loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable. Frequent crying or tearfulness, changes in sleeping or eating and trouble concentrating are also common. However, most teenagers will display at least some of these symptoms at some point in their adolescence without actually being clinically depression. This can make it difficult for parents and loved ones to determine when a teenager needs help. To appropriately conclude that a teenager is depressed, the length of time the teenager has been experiencing the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms should also be considered.
Effects
If depression is not treated, it can cause many negative effects. Problems at school, low self-esteem, substance abuse and eating disorders may occur. Teenagers may also run away from home, purposefully injure themselves, engage in reckless behavior or violence and even attempt suicide as a cry for help. Because the effects of teenage depression are so dangerous, parents or loved ones of the depressed teen should do everything they can to get the teen the help he needs as soon as possible.
Treatments
Antidepressant medication and therapy are two typical treatments for teenage depression. Although either of these treatments may be effective on their own, they are most effective when combined. Since antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicide and hostile behavior in young people, teenagers should never take antidepressants without proper monitoring and counseling by a licensed mental health professional.
Misconceptions
Many people mistakenly believe that depression in teens will look the same as it does in adults, but this is often not the case, explains the Help Guide website. Teenagers who are depressed are more likely to be irritable or angry rather than sad. They often may tend to complain about physical pains, such as saying their head or stomach hurts. Also, while adults with depression are likely to isolate themselves as much as possible, social relationships are very important to many teenagers and most depressed teenagers will keep up with at least a few close friends.
Considerations
Since depressed teens may be so emotional and angry, parents and loved ones may be unsure of how to approach the teen about treatment for her depression. It is important to be supportive without being judgmental. Although persistence may be needed, always show respect for the teen's wishes and try to understand her point of view. Most teenagers crave validation, so parents and loved ones should be careful not to dismiss their concerns even if they seem silly or do not make much sense.
Warning
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Because of this, all parents and loved ones should take all comments about suicide seriously and contact a mental health professional immediately. Many parents or friends may blow off suicidal comments because they believe the teen to be joking or just trying to get attention, but it is always best to err on the side of caution and report each comment no matter what.
