Being a teenager is difficult. Balancing high school, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, a part-time job and raging hormones is no easy task. As a result, many teenagers find themselves sleep deprived, depressed or stressed out. However, by recognizing the warning symptoms of these conditions, teenagers may be able to take the necessary steps to seek help before they lead to any serious issues.
Sleep Deprivation
Although teenagers need an estimated nine to ten hours of sleep each night, many only get seven or eight hours of sleep on a regular basis, according to the Better Health Channel. When a teenager consistently does not get an adequate amount of sleep, sleep deprivation sets in. This can have many effects. The physical symptoms of sleep deprivation include slower reflexes and reduced performance in physical activities or sports. Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, poor decision making and poor academic performance are some common mental symptoms. Emotional symptoms like irritability and aggression are also common.
Depression
During the adolescent years, many things can create a breeding ground for depression. Surging sex hormones, the struggle to become independent from parents and the pressures of academics and fitting in socially can all contribute to teenage depression. Physical symptoms of this depression can include fatigue, aches and pains, changes in appetite or changes in sleep patterns. Difficultly concentrating or making decisions are mental symptoms that often occur. Emotional depression symptoms can include feelings of sadness, irritability, guilt or anger. Often, a depressed teenager will also experience relationship or friendship problems or start struggling in school or sports. Seek treatment if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are particularly severe, according to Medline Plus. If a depressed teen ever shares suicidal thoughts or tendencies, consider it an emergency and get treatment immediately.
Stress
Although feelings of stress will occur for virtually all teenagers at some point, recognizing the symptoms of stress is important because it allows the chance to manage the stress before it leads to further mental or physical problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms of stress in teenagers is similar to that of the symptoms of stress in adults. Physical symptoms can include head or body aches and pains, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, upset stomach, sleep problems and changes in appetite. Emotional symptoms that can be displayed are feelings of anger or irritability, sadness, anxiety, restlessness and forgetfulness. Behavioral symptoms may include substance abuse, increased smoking, social withdrawal, friendship or relationship issues, or crying spells.
