Teen Mental Health: Recognizing Symptoms Of Depression In Teens
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Teen depression can be a severe mental health disorder that may cause persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities. Symptoms of depression can affect how a teenager thinks, feels, and acts, potentially leading to serious emotional, functional, and physical problems. It can be important to ensure that your teen receives help and support from a medical provider and/or licensed mental health professional if you believe they may be experiencing it. Other ways you may support your teenager could be by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, supporting their interests, concentrating on the positives, teaching them healthy coping skills, and maintaining open communication. If you find that you don’t know the best ways to guide your teenager through this tough time, you may benefit from online therapy.
Recognizing symptoms of depression in teens
It can be understandable why teens often experience dramatic mood swings when you consider that fluctuating hormones are typically added to the numerous other changes that generally take place during a teen’s life during the teenage years. According to the American Psychiatric Association, one in five children usually experiences depression, and about 20% of these young people receive the help they need. Often, therapy can be very beneficial for teens in helping them work through this and other mental health concerns.
If you’ve noticed that your teenager has been deeply sad for longer than two weeks and they exhibit additional signs of depression, it may be time to seek medical treatment.
Common symptoms of depression in teens
If you believe your child is at risk of depression or is experiencing changes in mood or social behavior, there are some signs of the disorder to be aware of. Initial symptoms of this could include:
- A shift in the teen's attitude and conduct
- Considerable discomfort and issues at school, at home, or in social activities
- Excessive irritability
- Listlessness or disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
The severity of teen depression symptoms can vary greatly. These symptoms in adolescents can cause children to sleep excessively, modify their dietary habits, and even engage in illegal behaviors like drinking alcohol or stealing.
Even though your teenager may not display every indication of this mental health disorder, here are some more signs of teen depression as outlined by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Emotional changes
You may wish to be aware of any emotional shifts, such as:
- Sadness and extreme sensitivity, which may involve uncontrollable sobbing episodes for no apparent reason
- Frustration or rage in response to minor issues
- Angry mood at inappropriate times
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in routine activities
- Loss of interest in family and friends, or frequent disagreements with them
- Low self-confidence (low self-esteem)
- Feelings of inadequacy or guilt
Behavioral changes
You may also want to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, such as:
- Tiredness and low energy levels
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Appetite changes: reduced appetite and weight reduction, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Pacing, handwringing, or an unwillingness to sit still
- Slower-than-usual thoughts, speech, or physical motions
- Frequent complaints of health problems like inexplicable bodily pains and headaches, including visits to the school nurse
- Substance abuse, such as using drugs or alcohol
Risk factors for developing teen depression
There may not be any physical medical tests that can accurately identify teen depression at this time. Interviews and psychological testing with a teenager’s family, teachers, and peers are frequently used by health care experts alongside the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to evaluate whether a teen has it.
Based on the results of these interviews, the degree of teen depression may be determined. The details gathered from the interviews may also be used to provide treatment suggestions.
Factors that may suggest an increased risk of depression in teens
Common patterns generally indicate that the following may be probable risk factors that could trigger teen depression.
- Obesity, peer difficulties, long-term bullying, or academic challenges that can have a detrimental influence on self-esteem
- Being a survivor or witness of violent acts, such as physical or sexual abuse*
- Other mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorders, anorexia, or bulimia
- Having personality qualities such as low self-esteem feelings, being too reliant, being self-critical, or being negative
- Alcohol, nicotine, or other substance abuse
- Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in a hostile atmosphere
- Having a learning impairment or ADD/ADHD
- Spending time with other kids who encourage illegal behavior
Can depression run in families?
A family history of clinical depression or other mental health conditions can be one of the top risk factors for adolescents. Depression can run in families, and teenagers with a family history of it may be more likely to experience teen depression. Your teenager's risk may also be increased by family history and difficulties with family or others, such as:
- Having a family member, parent, grandmother, or another blood family relative who is depressed, lives with bipolar disorder or other mental disorders, or experiences disordered use of alcohol
- Having a dysfunctional family or experiencing family strife
- Having just gone through a challenging life event, such as parental divorce, parental military duty, or a loved one's death
Potential complications of depression in teens
Depression that goes untreated can lead to emotional, behavioral, and physical issues that influence other aspects of your teen's life. Teen depression, especially when left untreated, can lead to a variety of complications and mental health consequences, such as:
- Disordered use of alcohol and drugs
- Academic issues
- Relationship problems and family disputes
- Participation in the juvenile justice system
- Suicidal thoughts*
Co-existing conditions a mental health professional may check for
A health care provider specializing in adolescent psychiatry may also check for symptoms of co-existing psychiatric disorders, like anxiety disorders or substance use, and test for more complex disorders that may involve depression, like bipolar disorder or psychosis. A specialist in adolescent psychiatry may also conduct a physical exam to see if any physical health problem could be contributing to your teenager’s symptoms.
*If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help from a mental health professional immediately. Don’t delay reaching out for help if suicidal thoughts are present. You can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Treatment for child and adolescent depression
Child and adolescent depression can be treated with several approaches, including talk therapy. If a teen's symptoms are caused by familial strife, family counseling may be beneficial. The American Psychiatric Association also recently reported that education on mental health and well-being can be helpful, too.
Any school or peer difficulties may require assistance from the teen's family or instructors. Your child's mental healthcare professional can establish the appropriate treatment plan for them. On rare occasions, teenagers with severe depression or major depressive disorder may need to be hospitalized at a mental facility (or rehabilitation facility if they abuse alcohol or drugs), but seeing a therapist or licensed mental health professional regularly may help. A therapist with experience in teen depression may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach often used to treat depression.
Improving teen mental health with the help of a mental health professional
There may not be a specific technique to keep teen depression at bay. Mental health can be complicated and often requires individualized care. Just like a physical affliction, mental health disorders may require attention and care without being a major crisis.
If your child develops depression, it does not necessarily mean they did not have a perfectly loving and supportive family environment. Many factors contribute to mental health challenges.
Guidelines to prevent teenage depression
- Support your child's interests
- Be a role model for healthy living
- Insist on getting enough sleep regularly
- Promote physical activity
- Concentrate on the positive aspects of your day
- Teach your child to manage stress
- Encourage them to believe in themselves
- Give them a strong sense of self-control
- Keep lines of communication open
- Keep an eye on how they're working
- Encourage them to talk to a school counselor or any other mental health professional if in need
Seeking treatment and support from a mental health professional
Supporting your teenager with depression may be challenging, and you may find that you begin to experience stress or even anxiety symptoms when handling this potentially complex situation. Please know that this can be normal and that you may benefit from professional support of your own. Suppose traditional talk therapy is not available to you. In that case, online therapy can be a great alternative that allows you to connect with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that fits your schedule.
Online therapy for child and adolescent depressive disorders
According to this study, online therapy can be extremely effective in treating the effects of stress and anxiety, among many other mental health concerns. If you feel you would benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Takeaway
What are the three factors that impact adolescent depression?
Depression presents differently between people, as do the factors that impact its development—however, there is quantifiable data to suggest there are three influences that emerge most commonly among populations. Experts surveyed in a global Delphi consensus study ranked 31 common risk factors of depression in teens and adolescents. Out of those, family history of depression, exposure to bullying, and a negative family environment ranked as the top three.
Depression symptoms can negatively impact school performance, social interaction, and other aspects of an adolescent’s life. Strong social support from a close friend, family, or peers can help them feel that they are not alone. If depression continues, talk to a doctor or a professional in the mental health field for an individualized treatment plan.
Which characteristic is most commonly associated with adolescent depression?
Studies show that teens with depression most commonly exhibit symptoms of low mood and irritability, followed by anhedonia (an inability to feel pleasure). However, adolescents experiencing depression may exhibit a range of other symptoms. Common emotional and behavioral symptoms include but aren’t limited to:
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Changes in appetite or weight
Negative self-perceptions
Suicidal ideation
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Withdrawal and isolation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Angry outbursts
Loss of interest in usual activities
Adolescents might also exhibit physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches that don’t have a clear medical cause. Changes in academic performance, social withdrawal, and increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection may be signals of depression. Engaging in risky behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or nicotine use, unsafe sex, and dangerous driving can also be signs of depression in adolescents.
Some depressed teens have a tendency toward self-harm and suicide attempts. For your teen’s safety, consider seeking support from a doctor or a mental health professional. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both may treat depression. If you believe your teen may hurt themselves or attempt suicide, you can contact suicide prevention resources such as the suicide hotline for immediate help.
What is one of the strongest risk factors for all types of depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to the risk for depression. The most common two are 1.) Having close family members with depression and 2.) Major negative life changes, trauma, or stress.
What is the root cause of depression?
There isn’t a single root cause of depression, but rather several factors that combine to cause the condition. For example, differences in brain structure and functioning might play a role, as do traumatic childhood experiences. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression symptoms, seek guidance from a mental health professional. A licensed therapist can diagnose and develop a treatment plan that includes identifying the potential contributors to depression. If you need extra help, consider attending a support group as well. In group therapy, patients often share experiences and find commonalities that may reveal underlying contributors to depression.
What is the leading cause of depression among the youth?
There are many factors that can contribute to depression in youth, and they may vary depending on an individual’s unique conditions. Causes of depression in most teens are typically a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the leading risk factors for depression in youth include:
Genetics: Family history of depression or other mental health disorders may increase one’s risk of developing depression in childhood or adolescence.
Trauma or stressful life events: Significant stressors such as trauma, abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one may contribute to depression.
Chronic illness or disability: Young people facing chronic physical health conditions or disabilities might be at an increased risk of developing depression.
Academic or social pressures: Familial and societal expectations at school, peer problems or pressure, bullying, or social isolation can contribute to depression.
Substance abuse: Addiction and substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, can worsen or cause depression symptoms.
Family dysfunction: Abuse, neglect, or conflict within the family can impact a youth’s mental health and increase the risk of depression.
Low self-esteem or negative body image: Feelings of inadequacy, poor self-image, or body image issues can contribute to depression.
What are the five levels of depression?
Depression isn’t typically categorized by stages, but by symptom patterns. However, some psychologists use a stage-progression model as a tool to help patients better understand their symptoms and to measure progress in therapy. Some experts also suggest that utilizing a continuum model in which depression is broken down into stages can lead to better treatment outcomes.
The five levels of depression are sometimes interchanged with the five stages of grief, a framework developed by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to better understand and measure the grieving process. These stages include (in order):
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
What are the three Cs of depression?
Rather than depression, the “three Cs” refers to a method used to remember the primary elements of how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works. The three Cs are:
Catch: This is the act of mindfully “catching” or noticing thoughts as they emerge
Check: Checking refers to evaluating the thought to determine if it’s helpful, accurate, or valid
Change: Once you’ve determined whether the thought is useful, valid, and true, you can take measures to reframe the thoughts into something more positive and helpful
What are the 4 Ds of depression?
The four Ds model of diagnosis is a conceptual framework used to understand and classify mental health conditions, including depression. It categorizes mental health conditions based on four dimensions:
Dysfunction: The impairment or disturbance in one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationships that characterize the condition
Distress: The subjective experience of discomfort, distress, or suffering that accompanies the condition
Deviance: How mental health conditions may deviate from societal norms or expectations within the context of thoughts, behaviors, or emotions
Danger: The potential harm or risk that might be associated with the condition, either to the individual or to others
What are the 3 Ps of depression?
The three Ps model is used as a framework for supporting children with depression and anxiety and helping them develop healthier, more realistic, and more positive outlooks. Here are the elements featured in the three P strategy for coping with anxiety and depression:
Pervasiveness: This P encourages the individual to consider how much the issue or challenge impacts their life. In other words, how pervasive is it?
Permanence: Permanence refers to how long the challenge or issue will likely be a concern. Is it permanent?
Personalization: Personalization refers to how much the individual identifies with and blames themself for the issue. How personal does the person make the issue?
Is depression a chemical imbalance?
It is often said that depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Although it might be one factor in its development, depression doesn’t result from a chemical imbalance alone. The causes for depression are typically a combination of many elements. For example, genetic predisposition, stressful life events, and changes in brain structure and function due to physical health issues like injury, infection, or medication side effects.
Additionally, there is often a bidirectional relationship between these factors and depression. For example, an individual with depression might have differences in brain chemistry. While chemical differences could cause depression symptoms, depression might also interfere with chemical processes in the brain.
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