Signs Of Teenage Depression And What To Do About Them
Although teenagers tend to seem irritated, grumpy and prone to swift mood changes quite frequently, and angriness and sadness seem to be the predominant moods with even normal teenagers, it is highly important to be able to recognize the signs of a teenage depression in time. Teenagers have to experience a lot of changes physical and mental as well, their adult personality is formed in these times. If the signs of teenage depression are not recognized and treated in some way, it can lead to more serious problems, mental illnesses, substance abuse, suicide, and an improper development or destruction of the teenager's personality.
Signs Of Teenage Depression
Some typical signs of teenage depression coincide with signs of clinical depression. A teenager will feel hopeless and sad, irritability and anger, will withdraw from social interactions and will not enjoy the usual pastimes he/she used to enjoy. There can be changes in sleeping or eating habits, a lack of energy, motivation and concentration and even thoughts of suicide. It is highly important to recognize when these symptoms are signs of a clinical depression and are not just symptoms of being a teenager. There are also some specific signs of teenage depression that are not always present in other cases of depression. The teenager will persistently be extremely sensitive to criticism, for example. They have to endure feelings of worthlessness, and in addition to this, criticism makes them feel especially vulnerable and depressed. Another sign of teenage depression is the presence of unexplained, chronic pains, such as headaches and stomachaches for example, and when a physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, they can easily point to teenage depression. Depressed teenagers are especially irritable, grumpy and will frequently have angry outbursts as well. It is also sometimes characteristic of teenage depression that while a teenager withdraws from social interactions generally, he/she may still socialize with a smaller circle of friends or one close friend.
What Can Be Done About The Signs Of Teenage Depression?
As a first step after recognizing the signs of teenage depression, you should try to talk to your teenager about his/her problems. However, you have to be really careful, when talking to him/her, as depression is a highly sensitive state of mind. You should be understanding, and listen to any concerns, you should not ask many questions, but wait till your teenager shares his/her specific concerns with you. You should not criticize and lecture, just assure your daughter or son that no matter what, you will be there and will listen to his/her problems. If the case of depression seems to be more persistent or serious, you should definitely take your teenager to a doctor, who will be able to assess the severity of the signs of teenage depression. In milder cases, your teenager will perhaps attend talk sessions with a psychiatrist, in very serious cases, medication may be prescribed. However, it is advisable to treat the signs of teenage depression with medication only in very extreme cases, when for example the danger of suicide is present, as antidepressants can have a disadvantageous effect on the development of your son's or daughter's personality.
