The issue of teens and depression can be challenging for many families to cope with. Adolescents are experiencing physical and emotional changes that can cause them to have mood swings. According to Cleveland Clinic, it is normal for adolescents to occasionally feel depressed due to the changes they are experiencing.
The typical mood fluctuations that many teens experience are usually not a cause for concern. However, depression in teenagers requires immediate attention if it interferes with a teen's ability to function. Parents who suspect their teen is depressed should seek treatment right away. Without treatment, a depressed teen may become suicidal.
Teen Depression Symptoms
Hormonal changes, self esteem issues, struggles with identity can all contribute to teen depression. Symptoms are sometimes hard to recognize because the teen years are a challenging time for most people. According to the National Institutes of Health, parents should be concerned if their teen appears to be extremely sad or discouraged for an extended period of time.
A depressed teen may start behaving differently by acting out in school or by skipping school altogether. The teen may become aggressive and start fights with peers or engage in criminal behavior such as stealing. Risky, irresponsible, or inappropriate behavior can also be symptoms of teen depression. Not all behavior is this extreme. Some teens who are depressed may simply withdraw from friends and family.
Emotional changes can also occur as a result of depression. Teenagers who are feeling depressed may become irritable, or burst into tears frequently. They may have an overwhelming sense of sadness, worthlessness or guilt. Self hatred, thoughts of suicide, a lack of enthusiasm, problems sleeping, and fatigue are also signs of depression.
Teen Depression Help
Parents should take action as soon as they notice signs of teen depression. Help is a very important part of the recovery process. Offer assurance to the teen that it is okay to open up and talk about problems and challenges. Be willing to listen without being judgmental. Have an honest discussion and address concerns about the teen's mental state.
The National Institutes of Health recommends getting medical help for a teen who has symptoms of depression that last for more than two weeks. This will help determine if there is an underlying medical condition. The teen may also be tested for substance abuse, since depression sometimes leads to drug use. A psychiatric evaluation may also be given to determine if there is a mental disorder or risk for suicide.
Therapy can help the teen get to the root causes of the depression and deal with those issues. The depression may be caused by a traumatic event such as a death in the family, past abuse, or the loss of a friendship. Family members may be asked to participate in some of the sessions.
In extreme cases, medication is used to treat depression. Teenagers and children are more susceptible to having an adverse reaction to certain types of depression medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which can cause suicidal thoughts or tendencies in teens and children. Certain antidepressants can also be harmful to young people. Parents should discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with a physician.
Resources:
HelpGuide.org
Medline Plus
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