Are you worried your teen may suffer from depression? Trying to get a handle on what can be difficult because we all know how physically and emotionally tumultuous adolescence can be. voice is too fast, not growing fast enough, change, bad skin, school pressures, peer pressure, sexual excitement … they have a significant effect on mood of a teenager, triggering explosions of anger and irritability, acting out, or sadness and withdrawal.
But if you suspect that your child is depressed, you may be right. Depression is not something that only happens to adults. Teenagers are known to be affected.
What makes this condition is so difficult to identify all the different symptoms that come with it. Individuals have different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. However, the only thing common to all the symptoms do not disappear.
Most of us have been “down” or had the “blues” at some time or another. But these feelings usually rise after a short period of time. Or the situation that has caused sadness, first best, or simply get better by themselves. With depression, however, these feelings do not disappear, and may even worsen.
This can be a worrying situation for parents who suspect their child may suffer from depression. But the good news is that this situation represents an opportunity to strengthen lines of communication between you and your teen. When you are communicating with your teen on a regular basis, you get to know their habits and normal behavior, if these changes are easily noticeable.
The key is to let them know that you are available to them if they need to talk about anything that disturbs them. They can not take your offer, but just to be sure you know the door is always open.
What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
Some of the most common symptoms to look for include changes in friends, changes in clothing, inability to concentrate, falling grades, increasing periods of sadness, low energy, crying, breaking, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Changes in appetite and sleep are other indicators that you can watch.
To get out of their uncomfortable symptoms, adolescents with depression are also likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as the evil criminal, smoking, drinking or taking drugs.
If you notice any of these behaviors, let your teen know that you are aware of what is happening and try to get an explanation from them about their behavior change. This can also be time to schedule a checkup for your teen with your doctor. A comprehensive assessment and talk to your teen can help doctors find a way to diagnosis and appropriate treatment if necessary.
If you suspect your teen is suffering from depression you should not hesitate to ask for help.