Depression is a form of serious mental illness that affects children, teens and adults of all ages. According to teendepression.org, around 20 percent of teens will experience depression before the age of 21. A turning point and milestone in the lives of many teens is turning 16. They are also having to live up to expectations like never before with getting their driver's license, preparing for college and peer pressure. Depression has specific signs that both teens and adults should look out for.
Isolation
One sign of depression in 16 year-olds is when they may remain more isolated than usual. They may choose not to engage in after school activities, and they also avoid participating in group sports. They may abandon friends and be less social than they were in the past. They may not show an interest in dating or attending dances or other functions to meet peers of the opposite sex. Remaining behind closed bedroom doors for several hours at a time could mean they are in isolation. Not participating in family time or activities could also be a sign that a teen is not facing his depression.
Poor School Performance
Making the grade is important to many 16 year-olds. This allows them the freedom to have more privileges through mom and dad, sports and to get an advantage on the university or college of their choice. When school performance suddenly changes or gets worse, it could be an indication of depression. The teen may be unable to concentrate in the classroom due to depression---negatively impacting their grades. They may have no drive or motivation to succeed if their mind is depressed. It could also be they are missing several days of school because of their depression.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse could be an indication of trying to mask problems or depression. This means the 16 year-old may find himself drinking, doing recreational drugs or abusing prescription medicine. This is a serious problem and can have fatal consequences if not dealt with accordingly by the parents or caregivers. Recognizing substance abuse symptoms such as stealing, borrowing large amounts of money, finding drug paraphernalia and bizarre changes in behavior could all point to substance abuse. Seeking treatment through a family physician should be a main priority. He or she may then refer the teen to a drug rehabilitation treatment center.
Sleep Changes
Teens need their rest and many take frequent naps or love to sleep in on the weekends. When the sleep patterns over-extend themselves from the norm or they interfere with daily activities---depression could be the culprit. Staying up late and then sleeping throughout the day, or sleeping for over 12 hours at a time for several days or weeks in a row should be addressed with the teen and possibly a family doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.
