It’s true, teenagers can be moody and difficult to figure out. Between the changing hormones, figuring themselves out, navigating the space between childhood and adulthood, and handling life’s stressors, their temperament is understandable. But there’s a difference between normal growing pains and depression. To ensure that you’re attending to your teen’s mental health needs, you’ll need to know the difference between the two. The ability to recognize signs and symptoms can improve the quality of life for your child and your family.

Understanding Teen Depression

Many individuals suffered from depression at some point in their teenage years. It’s important to understand that your teen’s depression is not moodiness. It’s not as simple as telling them to snap out of it or hurling ultimatums their way. It’s a serious mental health condition that is impacting their life and yours as you try to parent them. The sad truth is that most teens who suffer from depression often never get the help they deserve. But teen depression treatment is effective in helping them get their life back. As a parent, it’s important to support your teen and offer them the space to heal and process their feelings and thoughts.

Signs to Look Out For

It may seem difficult to spot the signs of depression in your teen, but some careful observation can take you a long way. Rebellious and unhealthy behaviors are all too common among teens, but they can also be signs that there’s something deeper going on. It’s a method of coping with emotional pain. Another sign to look for is a persistent negative mood. This can look like frequent crying, irritability, and agitation are hallmark teen depression symptoms. Problems at school like a sudden change in grades and poor attendance are also characteristic, as are a lack of interest in things that were once interesting and exciting, smartphone addiction, drug and alcohol abuse, and low self-esteem.

Teen Depression vs. Adult Depression

Mental health disorders like depression are highly individualized because no two humans or experiences are the same. There are some marked differences between depression in teens and depression in adults. Irritability is more prevalent among teens than the sadness that most depressive adults experience. Depressed teens frequently suffer unexplained aches and pains that adults are ready to pass off as growing pains. When teens are depressed, they tend to overreact to criticism. Their feelings of worthlessness and anxiety make them more vulnerable to perceived rejection and failure. Self-imposed isolation is another red flag that appears in teens more often than adults. This withdrawal from social circles or parents is very common, as is changing their circle of friends.

 

If you’re a teen and you’re experiencing depression, you can reach out to a trusted adult. You can also reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline. There is help available, and you don’t have to suffer alone. No matter how bad things seem, you can start feeling better today.