Depression in teens is similar to adult depression but there may be more irritability, anger and behavioural symptoms evident with teens, especially adolescent males.
There can be a variety of triggers causing teen depression such as family issues, relationships, addiction, school bullying, imagined and real pressures by the teen will all contribute to mental health issues. Coupled with this there may be a family history of depression which may predispose the teen to it. Teen years can be a difficult emotional time, full of physical and psychological changes and with a predisposition to depression it can further exacerbate any underlying mental health concerns.
Teens are generally more emotional and immature in their responses to the world, requiring more guidance and boundaries than adults and if this isn’t apparent they can become more susceptible to mental health problems.
The Pysical and Mental Signs of Depression
A teen feeling depression may withdraw from friends, be irritable and angry – or sad and low-. They may have less care for their appearance and may have feelings of suicidal ideation ( ideas of suicide without a plan) or may be suicidal. Their appetite may change and their sleep may be disturbed. They may self harm.
It is important to acknowledge any of the above symptoms you may notice and to ask the teen if they feel like harming themselves. Being direct is more helpful than not and will allow the teen to communicate how they are feeling if they want to. They may be feeling lost and out of control and may be waiting for someone to notice and ask.
There are many good support organisations that can be accessed on line as a first point of help and will direct the teen to further places of help if it is deemed necessary.
Sometimes just talking through feelings can help – feeling less isolated and distant from others. It can also help to speak to someone about how to behaviourally help with depression and low mood and what ways of thinking can be helpful too.
Early Intervention Brings Better Prognosis
Depression is a disease of the brain – it may not be noticeable at first but left untreated it can be devastating. However, it can be effectively treated using evidence based, appropriate methods with trained professionals.