Teenagers face several challenges as they straddle childhood and adulthood. Establishing a sense of identity, making future plans and navigating a place in the social hierarchy of peers are issues likely on the forefront of your teen's mind. If your child is having a hard time handling these changes, depression might set in and it may manifest itself differently depending on whether your teen is a boy or girl.
The Facts
Feeling overemotional and experiencing bad or sad moods is normal for the majority of teenagers, both boys and girls. Major depression lasts longer than a few days, often lingering for months or years. Depressed teens can feel a sense of worthlessness or simply an inability to enjoy anything. Teens showing characteristics of depression might be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, seasonal depression or adjustment disorder.
Indications and Causes
Ellen McGrath writes in "Psychology Today" that boys tend to act out or appear irritable rather than sad. Depression can be caused by genetics, chemical imbalances or environmental factors according to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health. Many boys might be at risk for depression because of an absentee father. McGrath notes that without a strong male role model, boys might not learn how to handle their emotions. Teen girls are more likely to feel badly about themselves after a negative event, see their problems as more unsolvable and seek the approval of others to feel validated more often than boys. When they do not receive the amount of validation they crave, depression can develop.
Treatments
If you believe your child is depressed, consult with your family doctor to rule out health reasons such as anemia. Ask your doctor to refer your child to a psychotherapist if you are not familiar with therapists in your area. A therapist might help your teen understand what triggers depression and how to cope with those triggers. Teens can also be treated with medications if therapy alone does not provide relief. It is important to seek help as soon as you suspect your teen might be depressed to avoid the depression worsening or leading to self-harm.
Considerations
It is common for parents to feel guilty that their child is depressed. Melinda Smith and colleagues writing in the website HelpGuide.org, suggests that if you are placing blame on yourself for your child's condition, you might want to seek counseling for yourself to help you cope with these feelings. To ensure that your child has the best chance for recovery, make sure medications and treatments are consistently received on time. Let your child know that you are willing to listen. Be patient and praise positive behavior rather than focusing on perceived laziness.
References
- KidsHealth.org; Understanding Depression; October 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Causes Depression?
- PsychologyToday.com; Teen Depression - Boys; Ellen McGrath; July 2002
- National Institute of Mental Health: How Does Depression Affect Adolescent Girls?
- HelpGuide.org; Teen Depression; Melinda Smith, et al
