Teens and depression

I've heard that teens are moody, but I am beginning to worry that my teen has depression. How can I tell if he has a problem, or if this is just a stage, he will outgrow?

You are right to be concerned if your teen is exhibiting signs of depression. Depression among teens is fairly common, and if it goes untreated, it can be serious. It is important to remember that teenage depression isn't just bad moods, and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem that can impact every aspect of a teen's life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing, and even irreversible tragedy such as:homicidal violence, or suicide. The good news is that teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help.

There are many misconceptions about teen depression. While, the teen years can be tough, most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something vastly different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager's personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. So if you have a teen in your life, it becomes critical to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you are seeing warning signs. Here are some of the common warning signs of teen depression-

• Sadness or hopelessness


• Irritability, anger, or hostility


• Tearfulness or frequent crying


• Withdrawal from friends and family


• Loss of interest in activities


• Changes in eating and sleeping habits


• Restlessness and agitation


• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt


• Lack of enthusiasm and motivation


• Fatigue or lack of energy


• Difficulty concentrating


• Thoughts of death or suicide

Experts advise that if you are unsure if a teen in your life, is depressed or just "being a teenager," you should consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his, or her usual self. It is important to remember that while some "growing pains" are to be expected as teenagers are faced with the challenges of growing up; dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a much deeper problem.

Parents and teachers should understand that the negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. It is important to realize that many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors, or attitudes, in teenagers, are actually indications of depression. If you suspect your teen is depressed, you should seek treatment immediately.Not treating teen depression or waiting it out can lead to the following problems-

• Problems at school-Teen depression can cause low energy, and concentration difficulties. At school, this can lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork, in a formerly good student.


• Substance abuse-Teens are far more likely to use alcohol or drugs, in an attempt to self medicate their depression. This only compounds the initial problem.


• Eating disorders-Teens with depression will often develop anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and yo-yo dieting as an expression of their depression.


• Low self-esteem-Depression often triggers in teens feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.


• Reckless behavior-Many depressed teen engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.


• Running away-Many depressed teens attempt to run away from home, or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.


• Suicide-Teens who are seriously depressed often think, speak, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. Again, this is another cry for help.