The teen years are often dotted with drama and angst. Everything is said and done with more emotion. But this means that depression can also be at a higher level than what is seen with adults. Teens do not have the wisdom and experience yet to distinguish between their real thoughts and what their peers say.
Depression can move over a person like a dark cloud. There are several reasons why a teenager may experience depression: peer pressure, trauma, abuse, neglect, bullying, lower levels of dopamine and serotonin, stress, or grief.
Symptoms of Depression in Teens
Being aware of the symptoms of depression in teens can help you identify when your child is “just being a teenager” and when something serious is going on in their life.
Loss of Interest
One of the first signs of depression in teens is losing interest in what they once held dear. This might be social, like hanging out with friends, seeing a movie, or video gaming with a group. This could also include solo hobbies such as reading or drawing. Family time may become less as the child begins to isolate himself.
Unless your teen mentions that they are disinterested in what they always liked doing, it might be challenging to determine whether this is normal teen behavior. The average teen will typically want to spend more time alone; however, if your child seems withdrawn or their friends complain that they do not hang out with them as much, it might be time to find out why.
Fighting or Arguing
With emotions running high, depressed teens might not know how to control their anger. Everything may become a constant battle involving arguing and fighting. Some children can carry this anger to school, and when something sets them off, they get into physical altercations on school property. Confrontations between the teenager and the parents can lead to more arguments and possibly violent behavior (depending on the situation).
It is best to remain calm if your teen has outbursts of anger or is argumentative. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly before proceeding. Let your teen know you are willing to listen, then actually sit down and listen to them vent. It may be that what they need is a sounding board, or they could use your advice, but they are concerned about your reaction.
Allowing your teen to get their way after screaming and shouting at you (basically, a temper tantrum) will not help them learn, grow, or process their emotions. If you are concerned about your teen’s behavior escalating to physical harm, reach out to a therapist right away for help. These professionals are trained in managing and getting through to depressed teenagers with anger issues.
Sadness or Over-Emotional
Depression brings a persistent sadness that seems to follow the person around. With the heightened emotions of adolescence, this can lead to swift changes in demeanor. One moment, your teen may appear calm and quiet, then burst into tears over the smallest of inconveniences. The outburst may include a hint of anger.
This sadness lasts much longer than the average. Weeks or months can go by, and yet the sadness persists. Depression is a mental health condition that is easy to forget, given behavioral changes in a depressed teen. Stay open with your teen and ask about how they are feeling. Although you may think that your child does not want to share anything, if you are empathetic, then they are more likely to open up to you.
Sleep Changes
Depression can leave an older child feeling tired. They may lie around on the couch or in bed, watching television, listening to music, or sleeping. Sleeping too much during the day or lying awake at night with insomnia are both symptoms of depression. This mental health condition disrupts the brain circuitry, affecting memory, and sleep deprivation only worsens the situation.
However, your teen can recover from depression and the changes in the sleep cycle. Help them create a nightly routine that will signal to the brain that it is time for bed. For example, after dinner, have them take a warm bath, turn off all screens, journal, or read before bed.
During the day, insist that they have some time outdoors and time for exercise. The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and endorphins helps to regulate sleep. Find relaxing alternatives that will help your teen fall asleep quickly.
Weight Gain or Loss
When anyone is upset, their appetite changes. In some people, this means their appetite diminishes, and they no longer have any desire to eat. When they do eat, it might be just enough to keep their bodies functioning. This can lead to weight loss and a worn appearance.
This extreme weight loss in a short period can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Check with your pediatrician if your teen is taking antidepressants to manage depression, as the side effects of some medications can contribute to rapid weight loss.
On the other hand, uncontrollable emotions (and some medications) can cause weight gain. For some teens, emotional eating becomes a way to feel a little better when dealing with depression. The chemicals in foods such as sugar break down and signal the release of dopamine and other feel-good hormones. Amid depression, this “rewarding” sensation provides the teen with temporary relief. When they feel sad again, the cycle will replay itself, leading to extra calories consumed and weight gain.
As with rapid weight loss, weight gain can promote medical issues: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, digestive problems, a fast heart rate, and a higher body fat percentage.
Substance Abuse
Just like the momentary relief experienced by the emotional eater, a depressed teen may turn to drugs for that sensation. They may believe the drugs give them an escape from the sadness and stress. Some teens may misuse drugs to hide that they are depressed, keeping up appearances, and wearing a mask of happiness in front of their family and friends.
But substance abuse results in addiction, a compounding problem that can coexist with depression and other mental health conditions. It is like stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Substance abuse will drive a wedge between relationships, increase risky behaviors, and worsen depression and anxiety symptoms.
Trouble Thinking about the Future
Depression changes thoughts and emotions. Negative, intrusive thoughts can pervade a teen’s mind during a bout of depression. If the thoughts are recurrent or constant, if the thoughts are harmful and the images terrifying, or if the child can no longer picture themselves with goals and a future, then professional help is needed immediately.
Teens with significant depression symptoms may have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The depression has clouded their perception of themselves in their minds. It has also blocked out the truth of who they are, especially as God sees them.
When confronted about the discrepancy between their new belief system (“I’m no good,” or “no one loves me.”) and the reality that they are deeply loved, the child might become angry or withdrawn or believe it is only a lie.
Christian Counseling for Teens in San Diego
It is imperative that if you suspect your teen of having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others, you seek professional help. A therapist specializing in symptoms of depression in teens can help your child see that they have a future.
With treatment, your teen can begin to have goals again and work toward achieving those dreams. It is possible to get through to your teen by taking a leap of faith and taking actions that will save their life.
Depression is a serious matter. Symptoms of depression in teens can lead to relationship loss, substance abuse, or even suicide. If you suspect your teen is depressed, reach out to me or another licensed mental health care professional today. The sooner your child can get help, the faster they will be on the road to healing. Contact our office at San Diego Christian Counseling in California to learn more.
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