Teen Depression

It can be hard for some parents to know how their teenager is feelings. Looking for signs of teen depression aren’t always obvious and can be difficult to distinguish ‘normal’ teenage up and downs and real signs of depression. Common signs and symptoms of teen depression include:

• Irritability and quick to anger
• Uncontrollable and frequent crying
• No interest in activities with family or friends
• Changes in sleep (insomnia/oversleeping)
• Changes in diet (weight gain or loss)
• Fatigue and lack of enthusiasm
• Helplessness and worthlessness
• Thoughts of death and suicide

When looking for symptoms of teen depression it good to note how long these signs have been present and if they have come in cycles, been persistent, or escalated. Depression can push teenagers to make poor decisions such as running away, abusing drugs and alcohol, become violent and reckless. It is important to get help as soon as possible to prevent negative behavior and even suicide.

Teen Depression: Warning signs for teen suicide

• Finding ways to get attention (cutting, acting out)
• Talking (or joking) about suicide and death
• Thinking of ways to kill themselves (having pills, drugs, weapons)
• Acting as though they are planning death such as saying goodbye