Adolescents go through many changes, including forming an identity, experiencing physical changes, social concerns, and learning to make decisions independently. These factors trigger an array of emotions that are characterized by overwhelming mood swings among teens. It is, therefore, normal to expect your teen’s behavior to change during this stage. That said, some negative patterns and emotions persist longer and are often signs of depression in teens. Unlike normal adolescence induced emotional states, depression doesn’t get better by itself. It requires professional help and in some cases, hospitalization. Therefore, parents and guardians must seek help for troubled teens as soon as they spot the first signs of depression.
What Causes Depression in Teens?
Depression in teens can be mostly attributed to environmental and psychological factors. Teenagers face a lot of performance pressure in both sports and academics. If this becomes extreme, the child might begin to feel inadequate and eventually fall into depression. Traumatic life experiences such as childhood trauma and the loss of a loved one are also common causes of depression in teens. Additionally, disapproving adults, unsupportive parents and domestic problems could all lower a teen’s self-esteem, which can lead to depression.
In short, teens are vulnerable to depression as it can arise from many factors. Owing to this susceptibility, parents, and guardians must learn how to identify signs of depression in their teenagers. This way, they will be in a position to find the child a teen depression treatment program early enough.
What Are the Common Signs of Depression in Teens?
Depression affects how your teenager thinks and how they perceive situations. This, in turn, affects their emotions and behavior. Teen depression varies in severity from case to case, but there are common signs that you should be on the lookout for. These include:
Behavioral Changes
A depressed teen’s behavior might change in the following ways:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Drug abuse
- Changes in appetite: In some, it causes a decreased appetite while others develop intense food cravings.
- Low grades and frequent absence from school
- Poor personal hygiene and grooming
- Self-harm
Emotional Changes
Teen depression can also be manifested through emotions. Here are some of the emotional changes to look out for:
- Recurrent episodes of sadness and anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt without wrongdoing
- Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- High irritability and extreme sensitivity
- Feelings of hopelessness and insignificance
Signs of depression in teens are far-reaching and go beyond emotional and behavioral changes. Depressed teens may also start to complain about headaches, lower back pains, stomach-aches, and fatigue.
What Are Treatment Options for Teen Depression?
The first step involves diagnosis through psychological assessments by a medical professional. After diagnosis then, comes treatment. The treatment program that is chosen for each patient depends on the severity of their case. The most popular way to treat teen depression is through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. However, in severe cases, doctors might recommend joining a residential treatment center for teens. Here, they can get specialized care and services such as:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- 30-day assessment and intervention
- Education about depression
Finding the Right Depression Treatment for Your Teen
If left unattended, teen depression can bear severe consequences like self-harming behavior and suicide. This makes it critical for parents and guardians to be proactive in watching out for any signs of depression in teens. Once you determine that your teenage child is depressed, you should find them suitable treatment as soon as possible. Depression treatment programs also help to alleviate the emotional and physical suffering that is induced by depression, thus allowing your teen to lead a fulfilled and happy life.