Understanding and Dealing with Teenage Depression

Many Parents would agree that being the parent of a teenager is a lot different than having a child going to elementary school, a toddler or an infant. I have been there myself giving constant headaches and nightmares to my parents. Teenager is the phase where the natural transition from child to adult takes place. A Teenager has a different set of problems and need to be properly understood to manage them effectively. We daily come across cases where teenagers commit suicide, used drugs or acted rebelliously at home or school which are consequences of not handling a teenager properly. Teen Depression is a mental health problem which is widely prevalent among teenagers and need to be spotted fast to cure the situation. This is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life understanding and dealing with it is very important.

If untreated Teenage Depression can lead to constant problems at school or home, running away from home, drug or alcohol abuse, low self esteem, internet addiction, eating disorders, suicide, reckless behavior, self injury, violence etc. So it is very important for the parents to spot a depressed son or daughter. It isn’t always easy to differentiate between teen depression and the normal teenage moodiness related to this growing up phase. However, you can look for some of the Signs or Symptoms to spot a Depressed Teenager.

Here are some of the Symptoms or Signs to spot a depressed teenager.

• Feeling of misery.
• Self-harming tendency
• anger or hostility
• Frequent crying
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• A moodiness with a regular pattern
• Disturbed sleep or sleeping more than usual.
• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty in concentration and forgetfulness often accompanied by bad marks at school or punishments from teachers
• Lack of energy, enthusiasm or motivation
• Lack of interest in things they normally love.
• Low self-esteem and guilt.
• Not taking care of appearance
• Regular excuses of illness
• Eating less or over eating
• Worries about future and Hopelessness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Extreme sensitivity to criticism
• Thoughts or Talks of death or suicide

Noting some of these symptoms helps in understanding and treating Teen Depression. Family and friends can help in the early stages by talking things through with the depressed teenager. If you spot your teenager sliding towards depression, you must tackle it straight away by getting counseling or other help for your child.