Understanding Teen Depression:
What You Need to Know and Do
Recognize the symptoms of teen depression.
Early detection can lead to early intervention for the teenager.
Depression affects over five percent (5%) of American teens. And teen depression statistics continue to rise.
One of the chief ways we can identify teen depression is their loss of interest in the things that they normally enjoy. If this continues over a period of time, at least two weeks, then there is the distinct possibility that they are depressed.
Teens are more likely to suffer from depression after the loss of a loved one, a break-up of a relationship, or other major changes such as moving or a divorce. Girls are also faced with the added pressure of having to deal with their bodies.
Teenagers bodies go through the changes from childhood to adulthood and there are certain expectations. Teen girls worry that they are too fat, too skinny, too dark, too light and all the other negative body images they face daily.
Other symptoms of teen depression are:
- Constantly crying
- Low or reduced energy levels
- Increased complaints about not feeling well. Teenagers who are depressed complain of headaches and stomach aches frequently.
Watch out for falling grades and withdrawal from friends. These are other symptoms of teenage depression. If your normally calm teenager becomes angry easily and less communicative, he or she may be suffering from teen depression.
Teen depression is treatable
Depression treatment for teenagers suffering from depression includes counseling, depression medication (antidepressants) and lots of love and understanding from you.
Counseling can be in a depression support group or in individual sessions or a combination.
Talk to your teen, communication is very important in treating depression. If they don't want to talk to you encourage them to talk to SOMEONE.