Is Your Teenager Moody Or Depressed?
Teenage years can be difficult for parents as well as teenagers. Teens are prone to a range of emotions. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between normal teenage moodiness, and something more serious.
If you notice that your teenager is feeling depressed or showing signs of depression , then it’s important to take action and seek help.
Below are some tips that will help you identify if your teenager is suffering from depression or just experiencing normal teenage feelings.
Teenage Depression
Anyone can be affected by depression at any time. This is not a result of poor parenting or weakness, and you can’t just “cheer up” to overcome it. Teenage depression is an illness that requires professional treatment.
Common symptoms of depression in teenagers include:
* Feelings of sadness that are frequent, persistent, or unresolved
Feelings of Hopelessness
* Loss of enjoyment or interest in any activity
* Loss of motivation and energy to engage in enjoyable activities
* difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or performing in school
* Changes in weight and appetite
* Withdraw from friends and family
* low self-esteem
* Anger or hostility
* harming themselves or others
* Suicidal thoughts and actions
Make an appointment to see a mental health professional if your teen shows a combination or these symptoms.
Teenagers are prone to sleeping more and resting more, especially if they’re busy with school or extracurricular activities.
It can be hard to get up from bed for everyday tasks when you have depression. They can feel physically and mentally exhausted no matter how much they sleep or what is happening in their life.
Imagine that your teenager is not responding to efforts to get him or her up and moving, or has difficulty performing their usual activities because of fatigue. It could be a sign that your teen is depressed.
Do They Eat Differently because They are Growing or Is it a Mental Health Problem?
Teenagers’ appetites can change dramatically as they enter puberty. The teenager will likely require more food and have different tastes.
Sometimes, however, a change in appetite may be a sign of something more serious. Depression can cause some people to eat less or skip meals. Others may experience binge-eating, or overeating to try and escape anxiety or stress.
Pay attention to the emotional connection they have with food. If they have changed their eating habits and the changes seem to be more related to their mental health rather than their physical health, this may indicate that they need professional help.
Teens often act out when stressed, especially if they are unable to express themselves. It’s vital to act immediately if you see your teen exhibiting violent behavior, self-harming, or any other signs that could put themselves or others at risk.
Self-harm isn’t always obvious. Self-harm can take many forms, including physical injuries such as burning or cutting, as well as risky behaviors such as substance abuse or disordered eating.
Unintentional problems can be caused by depression and other mental health conditions. It is important to seek help if their emotional state interferes with the quality of their life or their ability meet their responsibilities.
Getting Help
Depression isn’t something teenagers “get over”. This is not something that can be solved by blaming, punishing, or imposing guilt.
You can’t fix it by trying harder.
You should seek professional assistance if your teen has depression. A mental health professional will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan for your teen that is tailored to their unique needs.
