Young teenagers sometimes do not have the words, or the ability to articulate their feelings like we as adults do. This is a major factor in the recognition of signs of teenage depression. Teenagers are very likely not only to not tell us that they are feeling depressed, but they themselves may not know what it is that they are going through and feeling. Teenagers live in an adult world, and due to that, we as adults need to ensure we are looking out for them and the signs of teenage depression they may be having.
There are many different signs of teenage depression, below are the major:
1. Emotional – Teenagers will exhibit and experience the following emotional distresses. Anxiety is one of the signs of teenage depression: teenagers may be tense, jumpy, or anxious. If you can see or figure out what triggers this response in your teenagers, you may be able to help them get over it.
Turmoil: a teenager may lash out or be broody and angry a lot of the time. They could also feel worried and be irritable.
Sadness: crying easily, become withdrawn, and the feelings of hopelessness and despondency.
Loss of interest or pleasure is another sign of teenage depression: a teenager may not like or want to play sports or games like they used to. They can become bored quickly and reject any offers of play or games that they have always wanted to do in the past.
2. Cognitive Signs is another category of signs of teenage depression– One of the symptoms is a depressed teen may have self-defeating or negative thoughts. The fact that the teenage is thinking this way will add to their depression because they will not have the words to tell you how they feel and this may lead to them thinking they are dumb or stupid. This will lift when the younger teens to recover from the teenage depression.
Feelings of isolation could also signal signs of teenage depression: If your teenage has been bullied or picked on, they may become overly sensitive to criticism or slights from their friends or other children.
Suicidal thoughts: Adults are not the only people who think of death and suicide. A depressed teenager may wish he or she was dead and may even express these thoughts. This is one of the most serious signs of teenage depression as it can lead to fatal consequences.
Confusion, difficulty in organizing their thoughts: Depression can lead to a person not being able to think clearly or organize their thoughts. You teenage child may start to suffer in school or not be able to complete task that you have given to them.
Negativity is one of the most common signs of teenage depression: Depressed teens may sometimes see themselves as worthless and think their life is useless. They may become extremely pessimistic and view their world in a negative manner.
Helplessness: Depressed children often think that the way the feel depressed is the way they will feel forever. They feel helpless and hopeless and they may believe that there is nothing they can do and that this is how they are meant to feel.
Guilt and worthlessness are another signs of teenage depression to look out for. Teenagers who are depressed often feel it is their own fault and that they can’t do anything about it. They see themselves as no good and think they will fail at everything they attempt.
3. Physical Signs of teenage depression– There will be changes in the child’s physicality as well; depression is not just a problem that is in the mind only.
Agitation too belongs to signs of teenage depression: A teenage may not be able to stand still or they will show signs of agitation or be fidgety.
Weight loss or changes in appetite: People who are suffering from depression may find that their appetite changes. This may lead to weight loss or they may begin eating too much. Children may also suffer from these symptoms. Watch your child’s eating habits carefully to see if this is a problem.
4. Behavioral Signs: You will be able to detect these signs of teenage depression the easiest.
Self-harm: Depression often causes a person to harm themselves. They may take excessive risks and deliberately cause themselves injury.
Restlessness: A child teen may become restless, fidgety, act up in class or become reckless.
Clinging and demanding: The teen may become more dependable and cling on to you or another person more than usual. They may become more insecure and demand more of your time.
Most common signs of teenage depression in behavior are withdrawal and avoidance: A depressed teenager may spend more time in their room than they used to, making the bedroom their sanctuary and not leaving it. They may not do what they used to like anymore wanting to stay away from people and stick to themselves.
Excessive activities: A depressed child may over react to games or situations. They may go way over board with playing or doing a certain thing.
If you think your child is suffering from any of these signs of teen depression, talk to them. If you are still undecided, seek help with a medical professional.