depressed teen

Symptoms of Teen Depression

Teen depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by abnormally low moods that persist for two or more weeks. Depression prevents individuals from functioning normally in their day-to-day activities. Although a depressive episode may last only a few weeks, it often lasts much longer.

Teen Depression Symptoms

Teen depression symptoms are commonly mistaken for sullenness, rebellion or a bad attitude. As a result, teen depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. In such cases, teen depression can worsen becoming much more severe.

Symptoms of depression in adults are similar in many ways to symptoms of teen depression. However, some signs of depression are much more prevalent in teens. Knowing the signs of teen depression can help you as a parent, teacher or loved one, detect it in someone you care about.

Some of the most common teen depression symptoms include:

  • Aggression
  • Anger or hostility
  • Anxiety
  • Apathy and lack of energy
  • Being bullied
  • Changes in appetite and/or weight fluctuations
  • Changes in sleeping patterns (i.e. oversleeping or insomnia)
  • Complaining about failure to meet goals and/or your ideals
  • Cutting or other forms of self-injury (although you may not see any wounds, wearing long sleeves on a hot day may indicate self-injury)
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of guilt, self-blame, and worthlessness
  • Feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
  • Frequent crying spells
  • Increased sensitivity to criticism
  • Indecisiveness
  • Inexplicable pain (headaches or back pain)
  • Irritability
  • Lack of concentration
  • Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
  • Low self-esteem
  • Memory problems
  • Poor academic performance
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Sluggish actions or speech
  • Talking about death and suicide (expressing the wish to be dead)
  • The presence of other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or behavioral disorders
  • Use of alcohol and drugs
  • Violent or risky behavior
  • Withdrawal from family and friends.

I’m Still Not Sure Whether it’s Teen Depression

Perhaps you’re still uncertain as to whether a teen you care about is exhibiting signs of depression or is simply struggling with the usual challenges that teens face.

No teenager is likely to experience all of the teen depression symptoms listed above, but changes in behavior, mood or personality that persist for two weeks or more are a good indication that something is wrong. If this is the case, you should talk to a medical professional and encourage your teen to seek medical attention as well. Early intervention and prompt treatment are the best ways to combat teen depression.

Resources
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.) Understanding depression. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health website:  www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/Depressive_Illness/depressive_ill_understanding.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Major depression: Symptoms. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms.

Melin, G. J. (2008). Depression in teens: Watch for signs. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-in-teens/MY00310.

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.) Depression symptoms, causes and diagnosis. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website:   www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/ Depression_Symptoms,_Causes_and_Diagnosis.htm.

Nemade, R. et al. (n.d.) Depression: Major depression & unipolar varieties. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from the MentalHealth.net website:  www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=438&cn=5.

Schwartz, A. (n.d.) Teenage depression and consequences. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from the MentalHelp.net website:  www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=30656&cn=4.

The Nemours Foundation. (n.d.) Depression. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the TeensHealth® website:  kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/depression.html.