Adolescent depression, while similar to adult depression, may include more intense emotions and greater volatility, according to PsychCentral. It impacts development, health and relationships with family and friends. In 2007, 8 percent of children and youth ages 12 to 17 suffered a major depressive episode, reports the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics.
Physical Complaints
Adolescents suffering from depression may complain of various physical ailments, including back pain, headaches or stomachaches. Also, they might complain of being nauseous, dizzy or lightheaded.
Frequent Sadness
Teenage depression may include frequent episodes of sadness, crying or tearfulness. This sadness may be exhibited through the music they listen to, writing stories or poetry about grief and death or wearing dark-colored clothing.
Decreased Interest
Depression in adolescents may be expressed by withdrawal from friends and activities. They might stop attending worship, sports or clubs. Even with encouragement from friends, they might refuse to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.
Sense of Hopelessness
Hopelessness may pervade the lives of depressed adolescents. They may become pessimistic about their future, feel that negative things will never change, or overreact to any instances of rejection or failure and believe they are unworthy of positive experiences and circumstances.
Extreme Irritability
When depressed, a teenager may become angry, hostile and irritable and take it out on her friends and family. She might be rude, sarcastic or critical.
Changes in Routine
Adolescent depression may result in changes in eating, sleeping or school attendance. Depressed adolescents might lose or gain weight, be awake at night or sleep during the day. A previously good student may begin to receive poor grades.
Self-destruction
Depressed teenagers may become involved in drugs or alcohol or attempt to harm themselves or begin cutting. They might also discuss death and suicide.
