Depression In Teens: Signs You Should Watch Out For

By Jean Farley


If you have a teenage son or daughter, you know that mood swings are a common occurrence, but how do you tell when it's something more than just hormones. If your teen is dealing with depression, it's important to recognize the symptoms early so that you can seek professional help. These problems rarely resolve on their own and it is vital that you help your teen through this difficult and painful problem. If you are unsure what you are dealing with, consult a professional to be safe.

The third leading cause of deaths in teenagers is suicide and it is estimated that about 20% of teens are struggling with this disease. One common sign is a declining performance in school. If you notice your teen's grades starting to slip, this could be a sign that you should seek help. Promiscuity, risky behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, and trouble with personal relationships may be a cry for help.

Sometimes this medical condition may show in frequent complaints about illness or pain, and the child may seem sad or blue much of the time. They may lose interest in activities and social relationships that they once enjoyed, and changes in eating habits are a common symptom that is seen in many cases. Anger, irritability, and even anxiety may occur more frequently.

Sleeping problems are also a common complaint in teens who are suffering from depression. You may notice that your son or daughter sleeps much more than usual but they do not wake up rested. Insomnia may also occur, and the teen may be very tired because they can not get into a restful sleep and stay that way for any extended period. This can have an impact on focus and concentration, and can also cause educational difficulties.

Always seek professional help immediately if your teen mentions harming themselves or anyone else. Teens with depression often commit suicide and many of them succeed on the first try. While therapy and medications can be extremely helpful, it may take some time to find the combination that works best for your teen. This is why it is so important to seek help at the first sign of a problem.




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