Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect anyone. Depression causes ongoing sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Adolescents and teenagers are one of the populations most affected by depression (approximately 20% of adolescents and teenagers will struggle with depression before reaching adulthood).
Depression impacts the way a teenager thinks, feels, and behaves, and symptoms can manifest in both emotional and physical ways. Although depression can occur at any stage of life, symptoms may be different for adolescents and teens.
Research is continuously emerging around adolescent and teenage depression, and the statistics are somewhat overwhelming:
Identifying and diagnosing teen depression can be challenging, as its symptoms can be similar to those of other mental health conditions. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate depression in teens, including persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue or low energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, irritability or restlessness, and physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches.
It is especially difficult to know how to prevent teen depression, as the causes and symptoms can vary widely between individuals. If you suspect that your teen is depressed, it’s essential to consult with a mental health professional immediately. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, lab tests, and a psychological assessment, to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
A teen’s symptoms of depression consist of a change from their previous attitude and behavior. Symptoms of depression can cause significant distress, and contribute to problems in all areas of life, ultimately affecting a teenager’s general well-being and quality of life. Depression symptoms can look different depending on the individual, and the severity of symptoms may vary as well. But if you are noticing changes in your adolescent or teen’s emotions and behavior, it should not be ignored.
Be alert to emotional changes in your adolescent or teenager, such as:
In addition to these symptoms, some teens may experience persistent depressive disorder, a chronic form of depression that impacts mood and daily functioning over an extended period.
Certain changes in behavior can be indicators your teenager may be experiencing depression.
In cases of severe depression, teens may exhibit more intense behavioral changes that require specialized treatment. Although every adolescent and teenager is susceptible to developing symptoms of depression, certain factors make some more likely than others, including:
Since the 1970s, researchers have been monitoring and studying adolescents and teenagers and their mental health. There has been a fairly significant increase in the number of teens experiencing symptoms of depression. This increase continued to rise in the years following, making today’s teens the most depressed generation in decades.
While there are a wide range of suggestions as to what causes teen depression at such a high rate, some hypotheses are more agreed upon than others, including:
Depression is serious, and if left untreated, it can lead to worsening symptoms, which, in some cases, may become life-threatening. If you think your adolescent or teen may be struggling with depression, there are treatment options that can help.
If your teenager recognizes the need for help and comes to you asking for it, he or she has taken a major step toward recovery. Yet, it is important to remember that very few adolescents or teens seek help on their own. Many need encouragement from a friend or family member. Family members play a crucial role in supporting a teen’s treatment, providing encouragement and open communication to enhance the effectiveness of therapy. So, if you think your child may be struggling with depression, ask him or her about it and suggest treatment options, and call Polaris Teen Center at 1-844-836-0222.
This post was last modified on March 5, 2025 5:29 pm
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