Depression affects as many as 1 in 8 people during adolescence, notes the website Teens Health. It is described as a feeling of despair, discouragement or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months or years and does not resolve on its own. Depression can disrupt a person's ability to participate in normal activities. The symptoms of depression can vary, but if a teen has a noticeable change in mood or behavior that last for more then two weeks, then there is a good chance that he may have teenage depression.
Irritability
Teens suffering from depression are usually moody and easily irritated, according to HelpGuide.org. Depression can cause a normally happy, calm and easy-going teen to suddenly become grumpy, hostile, easily annoyed and prone to angry outbursts. These teens may notice a change in their mood, but not know why or how to fix the problem. Feelings of confusion and helplessness can cause a teenager suffering from depression to experience intense anger and frustration. A depressed teen may have a hard time making and maintaining friendships due to her intense mood swings.
Aches and Pains
Depressed teens frequently complain of various aches pains that do not resolve over time. The website Healthy Place states that depressed teens constantly comment that they have pain in their head, stomach or back that does not get better or suddenly reoccurs. These teens often go to the doctor multiple times for their aches and pains, but medication rarely fixes the problem. If a doctor examines the teen on numerous occasions and does not find evidence of a condition, disease or illness, then there is a good chance that the teen may be depressed.
Sensitivity to Criticism
Depressed teens may be extremely sensitive to criticism. Psych Central states that depressed teens often internalize criticism, rejection or failure as a sign of their worthlessness. These teens may feel that they cannot do anything right and therefore deserve all the bad things that are happening to them. A depressed teen may believe that he is a failure because no girls want to go out with him or he may decide that he will never amount to anything because he is not as funny, good looking or smart as his sibling.
Withdrawal
Depressed teens often withdraw from the majority of the people in their life. Most depressed teens will surround themselves with one or two close friends, but some may abandon their old friends and activities in favor of more rebellious friends and risk-taking activities. The Center for Young Women's Health states that a depressed teen may decide that she no longer enjoys the things that she used to like, such as music, sports, hanging out with friends or spending time with family, preferring to spend most of her time alone.
Problems at School
Depressed teens may suddenly start to skip class and neglect homework assignments because they lack the motivation to attend school or they have trouble staying awake and paying attention to the teacher, according to the website Psych Central. These teens may see a sharp decline in their grades due to their inattention and loss of interest in school. In addition, they may also have a hard time relating to their classmates because nothing excites them. These teenagers may isolate themselves at school, preferring to eat lunch alone.
Changes in Eating and Sleeping Patterns
Teens who are depressed may have a sudden change in their sleeping and eating habits. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that teens may change how much they sleep and eat as a way to cope with their confusing and upsetting feelings. Some depressed teens may stay up all night watching television, while others may sleep all day barely getting out of bed to use the restroom. In addition, some depressed teens may barely eat anything at all while others may overeat.
Suicidal Feelings
Depressed teens may constantly think about and obsess about death, according to the website Psychology Information Online. Teens who are depressed may feel that no one cares about them. These teens may believe that their life has no value and that if they died tomorrow no one would even care. Depressed teens may begin to reason that their friends and family would be much happier if they were not around anymore. These teens may feel that there is nothing they can do to change their situation and that the only way to gain freedom from the despair is to take their own lives.
