No one ever said that the teen years were easy. Adolescence is a time marked by significant changes, both physical and emotional, not to mention fraught with social challenges. It’s understandable that many teens experience periods of sadness, melancholy, and even anger — growing up is hard.
However, most teens are able to work through the difficult times, thanks to their friends, family, and a healthy sense of perspective about what is important in life. While they may not understand what’s happening at the time, most teens are developing the sense of self and the coping mechanisms necessary to handle the challenges that life throws at them.
For some young people, though, those challenges prove to be more than they are capable of handling, and the coping techniques that work for their peers aren’t enough. Their problems go well beyond a “bad day” or a “rough patch.” According to recent surveys, as many as 20 percent of all teens are suffering from clinical depression. Unfortunately, though, many parents attribute their teen’s behavior to normal teenage moodiness and angst, failing to recognize a potentially serious problem.
Part of the problem is that the signs of teenage depression can be very different from the signs of depression in adults. While there are some similarities, in most cases, teens will show very different signs than older adults. Compounding the problem of identifying depression in teens is the fact that many of these signs mimic what many adults consider “normal” teenage behavior. However, it’s the severity of the problem, and the duration of the signs, that determines whether it’s just a case of the blues, or a more serious problem that requires intervention.
Common Signs of Teen Depression
Most people are attuned to the typical signs of depression: Extreme sadness or melancholy, withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and in some cases, irritability, anger, and agitation. Depressed teens often display these symptoms, in some form, but there are other red flags that parents should watch out for.
Unexplained physical symptoms. It’s been proven that depression can cause physical pain and other psychosomatic symptoms, including nausea and headaches. When a teen experiences physical symptoms without a medical explanation, depression may be the cause.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism. No one likes to receive criticism, or to be less than successful at something that they try. And while it’s normal for your teen to feel frustrated when they receive a poor grade or struggle to develop a new skill, when they have extreme reactions to any type of criticism, correction, or perceived failure, depression is a real risk. This is especially common in teens who have typically performed well in school or achieved high levels of success in the past, and are suddenly struggling or facing higher levels of competition than they are used to.
Irritability. As mentioned previously, irritability or anger can be a sign of depression in all ages. For teens, though, irritability is the predominant emotion, not sadness as in adults. Everyone has days in which they are grumpy or in a bad mood. However, if your teen’s general mood can best be described as angry most of the time, punctuated by hostility and angry outbursts (often unprovoked or out of line with the situation), then your teen may need intervention and treatment; in some cases, a residential school for troubled teens like Diamond Ranch Academy may be in order.
Changes in Social Circle. It’s normal for your teen’s social circle to change as they get older. Changing interests and new activities often bring new friends. When this happens organically and is easily explained by your teen’s overall lifestyle, there’s typically nothing to worry about, assuming that their new friends aren’t troubled themselves. However, when your teen suddenly withdraws from most of their social circle (including family) and spends most of his or her time with one or two people, investigate the situation. Sudden changes to their social life and isolation can be signs of a mental health issue.
Most experts advise parents to watch for these signs and take action when they last for two weeks or longer. Often, depressed teens, unable to handle their emotions or unsure of what to do, turn to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse, cutting, sexual promiscuity, and even suicidal thoughts or actions as a way to manage the pain they are experiencing.
With help, though, many teens can overcome their depression and learn the skills they need to live happy, productive lives. Therefore, make note of the signs, and if you see them in your child, take action — and prevent possibly serious consequences.
