Is your teenage child depressed or just “going through something?” The growing pains of the teenage years can often lead to big emotions and intense mood swings, and some of this is to be expected. But if your teen’s sad or angry mood lasts for a couple of weeks or more and affects their ability to engage in school and home life, it’s time to seek treatment. Depression is very real in teens, but treatment is available.
Signs of Teen Depression
One of the most important steps for parents and caregivers is to recognize the signs of depression so that they can seek out treatment right away. Depression in teens varies in severity and may manifest in many more ways than you realize. Consider some of the most common signs of depression in teens:
- Sadness but a lack of crying
- Feelings of fear, even if there is no obvious reason that something should cause fear
- Withdrawing from family and friends, spending more time alone, or engaging in new relationships that seem out of character
- Ongoing anxiety
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Not going to school or skipping classes
- Self-critical remarks indicating low self-esteem
- Feelings of intense shame or guilt, often unfounded
- Irritation without apparent cause
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Threatening or talking about suicide, even if it is just joking
- Frequent comments about dying or death
- Drop in grades even in areas they have always done well at
If you notice more than one of these symptoms occurring in your child, meet with a therapist or doctor to have your child’s mental health evaluated.
Causes of Depression in Teens
Even if you build a strong culture of resilience with your teens, you may find that they simply do not seem to embrace life as they could or should. You have noticed changes. Some of the most common causes of depression in teens include:
- Changes in brain chemistry that put them at risk: If the neurotransmitters in the brain are not functioning as they should, that leads to depressive symptoms. Treatment could bring the neurotransmitters back into balance and provide relief.
- Changes in hormones: It is true that teens experience significant fluctuations in hormones as their bodies develop. However, if a teen is displaying significant symptoms of depression, those changing hormones may need close monitoring.
- Trauma: Some children suffer significant trauma at a young age. They may not actively talk about what they experienced or how it impacted them. They may not even realize it. Yet early childhood trauma, including the loss of a parent, tension in the home, or physical or emotional abuse, is a common cause of depression.
- Learned negative thinking: Negative thinking can be a learned task, one that leads to feelings of helplessness and worthlessness. It’s easy for teens to fall into negative thinking patterns when they are frequently exposed to triggers like social media.
- Inherited traits: Biology plays a role in the risk of developing a condition like depression. However, just because a family member has suffered from depression doesn’t mean that your teen will develop it. Whether an inherited trait will manifest depends greatly on the person’s environment.
Depression can also be caused by–and lead to–low self-esteem. If your child has suffered a blow to their self-esteem due to academic limitations, body weight or appearance, or peer pressure, they are at greater risk of depression.
What to Do If Your Teen Needs Help with Depression
Even if you are not sure that your teen is struggling with depression or needs formal help, reach out to a treatment team at Willow Creek Behavioral Health. Let our professionals provide you with insight and guidance into what your child’s needs may be. Getting a mental health screen for your teen is never a waste of time.
Seek Out Help from Our Team Now
Turn to Willow Creek Behavioral Health now to have an assessment. Your child’s future could depend on what you do or do not do for them at this critical time. Contact us now to learn how we can help with teen depression.
