According to the experts at Focus Adolescent Youth, teens who experience some type of loss, who are under extreme stress or who suffer from some type of anxiety or attention disorder are prone to depression. It is also common for depressed teens to have problems at home, or to have a parent who suffers from depression. If left untreated, depression can lead to problems in school and drug abuse. It is imperative for parents and teachers to recognize the symptoms and help the teen seek treatment for his disorder.
Physical Symptoms
Teen depression is displayed in a variety of ways, and not everyone will suffer from the same symptoms. Some of the most common physical symptoms of teen depression include frequent bouts of crying, constant fatigue or complete lack of energy and motivation. This may be expressed by missing school on a regular basis or an inability to concentrate that may result in a decline of grades.
He may also complain of actual physical illnesses such as headaches, stomach pains and back pains. Nausea, vomiting and dizziness are also common physical problems.
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral symptoms are the other half of the teen depression puzzle, and an intricate one at that. According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, psychologist and editor of HelpGuide.org, teens already have a tendency to be irritable or argumentative, and it can be difficult to differentiate between depression and normal behavior. There are differences, though, and some of the most common behavioral symptoms include withdrawing from friends and family. This is because the teen feels that those around them either do not understand or do not care how she feels. She may display increased anger or hostility, feeling as if she must reject others before others reject her, even if it's her own family. Changes in sleeping and eating habits may also occur, as well as self-injury, such as cutting herself. She does this because she finds it difficult to talk about her emotions and uses self-injury as a means of relieving the pain.
Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts are the most important warning sign of teen depression. While many people may think their child is threatening suicide as a way of getting attention, it is never a threat to be taken lightly. This is especially true if your teen has displayed any of the other symptoms of depression. The warning signs that your teen may be contemplating suicide include writing morbid poems or stories about death or suicide; giving away some of his most treasured items as if in anticipation of no longer being here to enjoy them; frequently joking about killing himself; participating in dangerous behavior that results in frequent injuries; and searching for weapons or medications to kill himself with. Perhaps the most important indication, however, are the things he says. If you hear your teen frequently say things like, "I'd be better off dead," or "I wish I were dead," seek help immediately.
