As parents or guardians, one of the most important things you want for a child is for them to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, for some children, as they hit their teenage years, they can struggle with depression.
While it's true that depression can look similar in teens as it does in adults, it's important to be aware of some of the early warning signs so you can help your teenager cope with and manage any depressive episodes.
Throughout this article, we'll cover signs, symptoms, and how to help a teen who may be struggling with depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that leads to symptoms that can impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
In teenagers, this is more than the stereotypical teenage angst or moodiness that can occur during adolescence. Unlike ordinary teen moodiness, depression can impact a child's social development and day-to-day functioning.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression in teenagers goes beyond general feelings of apprehension or insecurity. It's important to stay alert, because it can have a lasting impact if left untreated. Some signs to watch for include:
- Crying uncontrollably, sometimes with no clear explanation
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, irritability, or extreme frustration
- Immense sadness that's ongoing
- Self-harm
- Extreme changes in weight or appearance
- Changes in sleep habits — unable to sleep, or sleeping far more than usual
- Struggles with concentrating and thinking clearly
- Feeling like a failure and fixating on any perceived shortcomings
- Not wanting to attend school or social activities, leading to poor grades or frequent missed days
You may be asking yourself: could some of this be considered normal? It's true that teens go through many changes, including shifting interests in hobbies or friends. But if you notice mood or behavior changes that seem extreme or are having a negative impact on your teen's life, it's worth scheduling a visit with your child's doctor.
How To Support Your Teenager
Knowing the signs and knowing how to support your teenager can feel like two very different skills. But knowing the signs makes it easier to start the conversation about what they're experiencing. There are several ways you can show up for your teen.
Start by encouraging supportive relationships with peers. Talk with your teenager about staying connected to other people — family or friends.
Explain depression in a way that's clear and non-judgmental. Help them understand what they're feeling and let them know that solutions are available. If you feel comfortable, you can also talk through what causes it — biological factors, environmental factors, and life changes among them.
It's also worth addressing the myths and stigma around depression directly. Many people believe depression just means someone is lazy or cries a lot. In reality, it can look like someone struggling to socialize, sleep, eat, or maintain basic hygiene.
Take care of yourself and the rest of your family too. It may sound counterintuitive, but your health — and the health of your family — can suffer right alongside your teen's. Make sure your children and your spouse know they can come to you with concerns. That's what builds the kind of family dynamic your teen will actually lean on.
Justin Robinson, LPC-S — founder of Renew Counseling Center, 10+ years with East Texas teens and families. Renew offers teen depression counseling in Longview, TX — call (903) 386-3824 for a free 15-minute Fit Call.
Encourage Them to Seek Support
There's no single right or wrong way to help a teenager who's struggling with depression, but one of the most effective things you can do is encourage them to talk with a licensed, trained therapist. Reach out to learn more about depression therapy or teen counseling at Renew.