8 Signs Of Depression in Teens And How To Turn Things Around

Signs Of Depression in Teens

Prior to 1970 children were not depressed. Sad at times, sure, but not depressed. At least that was the prevailing thought among child therapists during those times… and it was 100% wrong.

The truth is that five percent of children (one in twenty) will have a major struggle with depression before reaching the age of 18 years. That is, these children will be so deeply depressed for such an extended period of time that they require referral for professional help.

signs of depression in teens

From the chart above you can see that depression is most common in the pre-teen and teen years. (The same is true of anxiety). This is due to several factors that arise during this time in a youngster’s life. These include intense peer pressure, insecurity, conflict with parents, and a pervasive sense of not living up to expectations.

Related: Depression In Children: 18 Identifying Signs of Childhood Depression

What To Look For To See If Your Child Is Depressed

You may be wondering what depression looks like in a child or teen. The short answer, it looks pretty much like depression in an adult.

This includes:

signs of depression in teens
Signs of depression in teens
  • Acting sad (moping around the house, slouched posture, unhappy facial expression)
  • Crying frequently and easily provoked to tears
  • Changes in sleep (this could be increased sleep, decreased sleep, problems getting to sleep, etc.)
  • Changes in appetite (dramatic increases or reductions in appetite, often with changes in body weight).
  • Lack of energy (they play less, move less, are harder to get moving into the car, to the dinner table, out of bed in the morning, etc.)
  • Change in attention/concentration. Your child has gone from having an adequate focus to having a difficult time concentrating on homework, or other subjects.
  • Anhedonia. This is a Latin word. It means someone fails to feel pleasure in activities that had been (and normally are) pleasurable. (Pro Insight: We therapists are fond of Latin words, they help us feel that we know something others don’t). The idea with anhedonia is that activities that the child use to be attention-grabbing and pleasurable are no longer of interest.
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless.

Want to know more about childhood depression and teenage depression? Check this video out below!

depression in children and teens

You will find those same symptom features in adult depression. The one thing that often stands out differently with children, and often with adolescents, is that when depressed they have a tendency to act out, tantrum, and have angry outbursts in addition to the above symptoms.

Anyone looking over that list of symptoms is going to think “Every child does these things from time to time. How do you know when these symptoms mean a kiddo is depressed?” Great question. Come to the front of the class.

Therapists generally refer to specific diagnostic criteria to make that determination. I’m not going to go into the intricacies of different symptoms, and the duration of symptoms associated with different depressive disorders.

It is more helpful to make two suggestions.

ONE:

If your child has three of the symptoms listed above, and they have lasted two weeks or more, consult your pediatrician.

TWO:

Go to the following website and complete a three-minute ‘childhood depression’ quiz.

Related: 4 Common Symptoms Of Depression In Children

Helping The Depressed Child Or Adolescent

If you have a child that is depressed, you definitely want to fix or solve, whatever is causing the depression. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to figure out exactly what this may be.

One reason finding the cause can be difficult is that younger children lack insight. A child may have experienced a great deal of change in life, and this resulted in high levels of stress, but the youngster does not connect the two. He or she can’t quite put their finger on the cause of stress.

Were they able to do so, they might say “Ah, yes, that’s it. That’s what has changed and it’s bothered me much more than I realized. Yes indeed, it’s really pulled the rug out from under me you know?”

This is not to say that young children lack any insight, but only that it grows slowly – as a part of their brain called the frontal lobes develop, so does their insight.

By the time the child becomes an adolescent, insight should be fairly strong. The problem then becomes that adolescents are often rather secretive. It can be easier to find Waldo in a sea of red and white stripe-shirted nerds than it is having your teen share some introspective insights.

Another reason it can be tough to know what has caused a child to become depressed is that many children feel self-conscious about admitting to the reason. Frequently children will feel that they are being silly for reacting strongly to some change in life.

Or they worry that if they do tell someone the reason for their depression, this will end up causing them to feel ashamed, or be made the butt of jokes.

The solution, of course, is to reassure your son or daughter that you will be understanding and sympathetic. This carries a lot more weight if the home environment is generally one wherein family members are supportive of one another.

So what can be done for the depressed child, or adolescent, when the reason for distress remains unknown? Quite a bit.

Related: Depressed And Anxious Teens: Experts Give Practical Advice On How To Help (Including Checklists)

Here is a shortlist of the most important things you should do.

How can parents help teens with depression

1. Be sympathetic and supportive. Your attitude will do wonders.

2. While being sympathetic and supportive don’t treat your child like an invalid. He or she still needs to go to school, complete homework, honor obligations, finish chores, etc. In other words, life goes on even when one is depressed. This is a good time for your child to learn to be tough. It is one of the single most important qualities you can build to help your son or daughter push through and succeed in life.

3. Keep up your routines at home. Routines are reassuring for those who are depressed. It provides a sense of stability and predictability.

4. Check in with your child regularly. Let your son, or daughter, know that you are worried. You know they are struggling, you are there to help, or simply to listen. So you will be checking in with them every evening before bedtime and asking if they would like to talk.

5. Some of the reasons a child will give for being depressed may appear foolish to adults (and to their teenage siblings, but then again much of the world seems laughable when you are a teen). I’ve known parents who gently tease their child about these concerns. They do so in order to provide perspective and ‘shake them out of their self-pity.’

I won’t preach. Let’s just agree that it won’t be helpful for anyone in the family to make fun of, or be dismissive of, the concerns a depressed youngster expresses. After showing your child that you take his or her concerns seriously, it’s fine to provide a more realistic view. Children need that perspective (although by itself it is unlikely to change the depression).

6. If you begin to worry that your child is so depressed as to be at risk of hurting him/herself have a very direct talk about your concerns. No, talking about self-harm, and suicide does not push someone towards acting on those impulses. That’s a common worry, but unfounded. In addition to talking to your child, if you have these worries it is definitely time to consult with a professional. Do so right away.

7. Exercise is the magical elixir of life. OK, may be an overstatement, but it does wonders to alleviate depressive symptoms. Get your child/teen out of the house on a walk, bike ride, hike in the park or mountains, skateboarding, play some games, etc. This should be done on a daily basis.

Most cities will have plenty of opportunities to help you find enticing ways to get your child active. In my town of Folsom, for example, there are miles of hiking trails, numerous arts and crafts activities, organized sports, and numerous other opportunities to get active.

8. Depressed people (even children) tend to isolate themselves from others. This drastically worsens their depression. Don’t let your child become isolated at home. It can be a struggle. Don’t give in. Sure, your child needs some alone time, but he/she should still be involved with family meals, chore time, running errands, movie/game nights, etc.

Related: 7 Things Every Parent Must Know About Childhood Depression

More Options For Helping The Depressed Child/adolescent

If you have tried the above suggestions, and your child remains just as depressed two or three weeks later, it is time to consult with your pediatrician. When doing so you can take one of two strategies.

One, you can describe the reasons for your concerns and have the doctor talk with your child. See what recommendations your pediatrician makes in response to his or her assessment.

The second approach is to simply ask your pediatrician for a referral to a trusted therapist. This bypasses the need for the pediatrician to do an assessment. Some doctors are fine working this way, others may object and want to make an independent assessment.

When getting a referral for a therapist be sure to ask for at least two names, better yet three. Then use the ‘Finding The Best Therapist’ guide to help decide which of these professionals you wish to engage.

Don’t stop there, however, because there is more you can read. Try this two-part series on selecting a therapist: ‘How To Find The Best Therapist Part 1’ and ‘How To Find The Best Therapist Part 2.’

The other option, of course, is to simply seek out a therapist on your own. Although this works for many people, I’m not a big fan. Your pediatrician will have worked with many counselors and have received feedback from numerous parents. That type of information is very helpful in sorting out counselors that would be a bad fit, from those that are skilled and ready to help.

Even with the referrals from your pediatrician, you will need to do your due diligence. Be certain to retain someone who has a great deal of experience working with children that are depressed, and who are in the same age range as your child.

You will also want to ask counselors on your list what approach they take to therapy. If they mention they exclusively use play therapy, or sand tray therapy, you should be cautious. These forms of therapy for childhood depression are not as well supported by research as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), or Behavior Therapy (BT).

It’s fine if a therapist uses play, or sand trays, as part of his/her approach. This helps many children relax and engage the counselor. But as the primary or sole means of helping a depressed child, it is something to be avoided. Really, trust me on this, don’t go there.

The other thing you should look for is a therapist that insists on meeting with you every week. Some child therapists prefer to keep parents at arm’s length. They do this to protect the child/therapist’s confidentiality.

What can I say… hmmm, I’ll leave it at ‘not helpful.’ On second thought, I’ll expand. This is too important to just skim over.

You are the parent. That makes you the most important person in your child’s life. Your child’s therapist needs your input on a frequent basis. That means weekly updates where you and the counselor exchange information.

Obviously, as children grow older the amount of information the therapist will provide you changes. That is because your child’s need for confidentiality increases as he, or she, grows older. Nevertheless, you and the therapist will continue to need to meet. This allows the counselor to get your insights into how your child is responding to therapy (i.e., is it working), and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions.

Related: The Antidote for Adolescent Depression

The bottom line is this: you and the therapist need to work as partners, part of a team. That’s impossible to do unless you speak with one another on a regular basis. In fact, there are many instances with young children where a therapist should work more with the parent than the child. Why?

Because the parent is the most powerful agent of change that exists in the child’s life! What a waste not to use that relationship to its fullest to help a youngster overcome depression.

Medications For Depressed Children/Adolescents

Numerous medications are available for effectively helping a depressed child/adolescent begin to feel better in a short period of time. The most popular anti-depressants are called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are common examples of SSRI medication. These anti-depressants are generally safe, effective, and well-tolerated.

Many pediatricians have an interest, and even limited expertise, in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders. These skills make pediatricians a huge asset in your battle against depression.

Nevertheless, when it comes to depressive disorders, it is often best to see a child psychiatrist for an initial evaluation and (if appropriate) prescription. After a child has been stabilized on a particular medication, changing to a pediatrician for medication management may make perfect sense.

Most parents are cautious about having their child take psychotropic medications. This makes sense. Parents need to carefully weigh the benefits and the risks of medication. ‘When Does Medication Make Sense’ is a brief guide that can help you go through that process with greater confidence. Worth a quick look.

On a final note keep in mind that medication by itself is not likely to resolve depression over the long term. Although helpful, medication does not ‘teach new skills’ to your child, nor does it resolve guilt, shame, conflict, or other concerns that are often associated with depression.

Psychotherapy is often required in order to make the sort of changes that prevent depression from returning. What’s more, although it is not always needed, the most powerful approach of all is a combination of medication with counseling.

Related: 12 Ways To Protect Your Child From Stress

Conclusion

Childhood depression is not uncommon. If you wonder if your child is depressed there are a number of symptoms to look for, and online tests can help you get a clearer picture. For children that are depressed, there are a variety of ways that you can help.

By taking a thoughtful approach, remaining flexible about what options to pursue, and communicating clearly with your child, there is every reason to expect depression to eventually become a thing of the past. This brief guide (Depression: How To Spot It And How To Bounce Back) was written for adults but has information that can easily be adapted to help teens and younger children who are depressed.

Don’t forget to visit the ‘Essential Tools’ page on this same website for more resources on dealing with depression.


Written By Forrest Talley 
Originally Appeared on Forrest Talley 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where does the depression come from?

There can be many reasons behind depression, and they are stressful and traumatic life events, genetics, improper mood regulation by the brain, medical conditions, and social circumstances.

Which teenager has a higher risk for depression?

Teenagers have a higher risk of depression if it runs in their families. Genetics and heredity play a huge part in teen depression.

What is the best treatment for adolescent depression?

Some of the best ways for treating adolescent depression are psychotherapy or talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications.

Signs Of Depression in Teens pinex
Signs Of Depression in Teens pin
Ads

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Up Next

Masculinity And Mental Health: 12 Warning Signs of Depression In Men And What To Do

Signs of Depression in Men You Shouldn't Ignore

Do you often feel frustrated, irritable, and withdrawn? If you are a man and if you are frequently in a bad mood, then it’s likely that you have male depression. The shadows of masculinity can often hide the signs of depression in men.

Male mental health is a topic we rarely talk about as a society that is supposed to be fair and equal. Yet, societal expectations often silence the cries for help from men who suffer from depression. 

But let’s change that today! Depression affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of gender. However, men often face unique challenges when it comes to recognizing and addressing



Up Next

Battling Post Graduation Depression: 7 Powerful Strategies To Crush Post-Grad Blues After College

Coping with Post Graduation Depression: Powerful Tips

Did you experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty after completing your graduation? The transition from the structured world of academia to the uncharted territory of post-graduation life can be overwhelming. This can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, including post-graduation depression.

Let us explore what is post grad depression, its symptoms, and most importantly, effective strategies on how to overcome post graduation depression. So, if you’re a recent graduate struggling to find your footing, keep reading – there is hope on the other side!

What is Post Grad Depression?

Post graduation depression, also known as post grad



Up Next

7 Signs Of Endogenous Depression And How To Treat It

Signs Of Endogenous Depression And How To Treat It

Endogenous depression is classified as a major depressive disorder, a mood disorder characterised by persistent and intense feelings of sadness that can last for extended periods of time.

Psychology differentiates two types of depression: endogenous (causes from within the person) and exogenous (causes relate to external events in a person’s life).

Understanding Endogenous Depression

It is thought of as a type of depression in which there are no external changes that



Up Next

Philosophy And Depression: Does Studying Philosophy Make You Depressed?

Is There A Connection Between Philosophy And Depression?

Ever thought about the purpose of life? Or maybe about the nature of reality? If so, you may be curious about the fascinating realm of philosophy. However, most people believe that philosophy and depression are closely related. 

So is it true that studying philosophy makes you depressed? Can being philosophical lead to a state of existential angst and melancholy? 

For centuries, this field of philosophical study has been a source of curiosity and reflection. Whether it’s the deep thoughts of ancient Greek philosophers or contemporary philosophical musings, philosophy has molded our beliefs & understanding of the world around us and how we fit into it.

So today let us find the answer to the age old question – Does studying philosophy make you depressed? 



Up Next

Loneliness Or Solitude? 5 Social Withdrawal Symptoms And How To Overcome

Social Withdrawal Symptoms And How To Overcome

Do you ever feel like just running away from everyone and hiding in your room where no one will bother you? Do you think it is better to be alone than being around people? Excessive and persistent social withdrawal can be a serious problem and the first step to overcoming it is by identifying social withdrawal symptoms.

What is Social Withdrawal?

Social withdrawal is defined as an ongoing pattern of avoiding or reducing social interaction consistently over time. It often involves a strong preference for being alone and reduced interests in engaging in any form of social activities. 



Up Next

How Do Dogs Help with Depression: Exploring 5 Pawsitive Impacts!

How Do Dogs Help with Depression: Psychological Benefits!

The attachment that humans make with dogs goes beyond affability. To learn how do dogs help with depression is to consider not only the happiness they bring but also their deeper healing capacities for mental health

In the present fast-paced and challenging world where mental well-being is as important as physical fitness. The connection between humans and dogs is both ancient and deep. For centuries these creatures have been more than pets; they have been trusted friends, company during difficult times, unfailing love, etc.

This articl



Up Next

Symptoms Of Sleep Anxiety: 7 Alarming Signs You Need To Watch Out For!

Alarming Symptoms of Sleep Anxiety And How To Treat It

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, struggling to sleep and feeling uneasy? Asking yourself why does anxiety keep me from sleeping? Those restless nights might be more than just a temporary problem – they could be acute symptoms of sleep anxiety.

In this article, we will try to provide a comprehensive guide on what is sleep anxiety. We will unravel the causes of your sleeping troubles and the mental health reasons that extend beyond the surface! 

Join us as we explore the connection between those nights where sleep seems to slip away and the feelings that might be more than meets the eye!

What Is Sleep Anxiety?