Depression In Teenagers – The Symptoms and Help

Depression In Teenagers Is A Serious Problem

Depression in teenagers is more common than many people realize. It is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s young life. If left untreated, depression in teens can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing and even irreversible tragedy such as suicide or homicidal violence.

Although depression is treatable, experts say only 1 in 5 depressed teens receive help. It is therefore important to learn what the depression symptoms in teenagers looks like and what to do if or when you spot the warning signs.

Teen depression can be instigated by the many pressures teens face, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in and parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this going on, it is not easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness.

Teen Depression Symptoms

It is difficult to explain how depression feels, and different people experience it differently. There are however some common problems and symptoms that teens with depression experience. Here are a few of them:

• Constantly feeling irritable, sad or angry.
• Things he or she used to enjoy do not seem to be fun anymore.
• He or she feels bad about themselves accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
• Other signs of depression in teenagers include oversleeping or not sleeping enough.
• Frequent unexplained headaches and/or other physical problems such as weight gain or weight loss and
• A lack of concentration in school and at home.

If you miss these signs in your teenager, you may want to take a look at the effects of depression. Teens tend to act out in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression.

The following are warning signs to look out for.

• Running away or talking about running away-many teens resort to this as a cry for help.
• Depressed teens may also turn to internet addiction, drugs and alcohol abuse, reckless behavior, violence and self harm.

How Do You Help If Your Teen Has Depression?

Well, it is very important that parents or guardians try not to increase pressures on their teen. These teenagers need to be listened to and accepted. Be there as a parent to let them know you are there for them, to support and help them whenever they are ready. Teens are not necessarily looking for someone to give them advice but rather to know they have unconditional love and support (especially through traumatic or stressful times).

Once your teen begins to convey their feelings, let them talk. Be a good listener without throwing out a lot of counsel or blame. Let your teen know the possibility they may be depressed and discuss getting the help they need.

If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help. Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms. The doctor will then recommend specific treatments for your child.

You should however be very careful that your child does not resort to abuse of any prescription medications. A regular counseling session should also be established for your teen.

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