The teen years are considered to be the best years of our lives. It is almost unfathomable that more than 20 percent of teens will experience depression before the age of 18. Almost the same percentage will exhibit one or more symptoms of depression, making diagnosis difficult. Stigma associated with depression decreases the likelihood of teens seeking help. Untreated depression increases the risk of suicide by 12 times. As provided by the National Institute of Health, there are symptoms that can be clues to a diagnosis of teen depression.
Acting Out
Teens may exhibit aggression toward one or both parents. This aggression may simply be disobeying house rules, ignoring curfews or clear combativeness. Increasing difficulty with authority figures outside the home can also be a sign.
School Performance
Lack of concentration, in and out of the classroom, can be a sign of depression. Abrupt drops in scores and lack of interest can be alarms. Withdrawal from school activities and constant class disruptions should be monitored.
Habit Changes
Changes in sleep patterns and appetite may also be signs of a depressed teen. These changes are not limited to excessive weight gain or loss as a result. Teens who sleep for abnormally long periods of time or sleepless can be a flashing red light of a larger problem.
Friendships
Indications of depression may be as subtle as changes in teen relationships. Withdrawing from a group of friends to befriend another may point toward depression. The usual group of friends may see obvious changes, while the new group of friends do not. Choosing an unsavory group of friends is often the case.
Sadness and Hopelessness
Triggers are often a part of the depression pattern. Breakups, failures and death of a friend can be triggers. Watching a teen's mood and his reaction to relationships as well as performance during the teen years are important ways parents can look out for depression symptoms.
Self-Esteem
Self-worth is an important and fragile concept during the teenage years. If a teen lacks self-esteem, depression may ensue. Guilt for poor school performance or activities may trigger depression. Most teens learn to cope with failures and will not exhibit depression. Girls often associate self-worth with social ties.
Suicide
Teens who discuss the possibility of suicide are clearly at high risk for the diagnosis of depression. Immediate intervention is necessary.
Substance Abuse
Although not all teens who experiment with drugs are depressed, substance abuse increases the likelihood of suicide attempt. Parents aware of substance use should be on alert for signs of depression and act accordingly.
