Teen Depression

Changes in your teen's behavior:  Are these just typical "teen" changes.or are they signals that something is seriously wrong?  Could your teen be suffering from depression?  Teenage moodiness is normal and just knowing this can help teens get past these feelings.  For most, the symptoms are short-lived and disappear when the immediate cause dissipates.  But, for some the symptoms don't go away.  Teen depression is not as uncommon as you might think.  According to research, up to one third of all teens experience some symptoms of depression. 

Causes of Depression

Unlike many physical conditions that are easy to diagnose and treat, teen depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated.  Ultimately, this could result in a tragic outcome.  So, what or who is to blame when a teen suffers from depression?  The short answer is that often there are multiple causes - and neither parents, friends, the environment nor uncontrollable circumstances are wholly to blame.  Teen depression symptoms can be caused by many triggers:

• Genetics (depression runs in the family).
• Traumatic events such as parents' divorce, death of a loved one, moving to a new area or loss of a friend
• Hormonal changes
• Undiagnosed, chronic physical illness
• Substance abuse
• Social pressures
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Poor grades
• Embarrassment or humiliation
• Isolation or alienation
• Sexuality issues
• Allergies

Depression or just a Bad Mood. How do you know?

Although it's "normal" for a teen to occasionally feel sad, clinical depression is based on the length of time, the degree of sadness and the extent to which their behavior and personality deviate from that particular teen's traditionally "normal" behavior.  That's why it's so important to pay close attention to changes in behavior. 

If the teen appears to be in an emotional slump, does it pass rather quickly?  If they appear agitated or irritated, is there a specific cause?  Once the source of the agitation is resolved, do these feelings pass?  Does the teen have physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches, but no underlying cause can be found? 

If the teen has many of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, they may be suffering from clinical depression:

• Drastic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Tearful, sad or bad mood
• Low self-esteem and guilt
• Anger and rage
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawal from friends & family (isolation)
• Loss of interest in activities that previously were important (school, sports, etc.)
• Decreased energy or nervous energy
• Preoccupation with death or dying

Suicide Danger Signals

A teen with depression that goes undiagnosed and untreated may turn to suicide to escape the pain. Danger signals must be taken seriously and immediate professional help should be sought.  Major danger signals include:

1. Threats of killing oneself
2. Preparing for death (giving away prized possessions, farewell letters, etc.)
3. Giving up on oneself and others
4. Talking as though the future is hopeless

A teen that previously has attempted suicide or has a history of psychiatric disorder or substance abuse is at high risk for suicide.

How can parents help?

1. The most important thing you can do to help is to listen. 
2. Observe your teen's behavior.  Are they depressed - or just having a bad day?
3. Spend time with them. 
4. Be involved with their activities.  
5. Know their friends.
6. Refrain from lecturing, criticizing or being judgmental.
7. Be persistent but not pushy in offering help.
8. Do not attempt to minimize their feelings - acknowledge them.
9. Gain an understanding of what caused the depression.
10. Show them that they can safely express their feelings.
11. Don't berate yourself for not noticing sooner.  Unlike adults, teens mask their depression.

What if the depression still doesn't go away?

Although parents and friends can help by listening and providing non-judgmental support, sometimes these are not enough.  If the length, degree and intensity of the mood changes don't subside after a couple of weeks, seek professional help from teachers, school counselors and mental health professionals.  Depression can be treated with therapy or with therapy and medication.  Find a physician who works specifically with teenagers.  Use great caution with medication for depression.  Be aware that some antidepressant drugs can increase the risk of suicide in teens.  To learn more about this risk, go to the FDA warning: 

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/default.htm