Over the past decade, major depressive disorder (MDD) rates among teens have been on the rise. About 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood and about 10-15 percent of teens will suffer at any given point in time. Because depression is so statistically common among teens—and because untreated depression can result in a wide array of negative outcomes—teen depression is something that all parents should take the time to learn more about.
Depression is a debilitating condition that will often have a very gradual onset. Rather than “suddenly” feeling depressed, most teens will begin to experience minor symptoms of depression that gradually worsen over time. It is also important to note that depression is different from sadness, angst, and other emotions teens are likely to feel. Depression is persistent, continuous, and—in many cases—unrelenting.
While parents cannot diagnose their teens with depression (unless they are licensed to do so), they can play a major role in helping their teens cope with depression and begin living their best life. In this article, we will discuss the most important things to know about teen depression, including the signs, symptoms, and possible causes. We will also discuss some of the actions that parents can take to make a difference.
What are the signs and symptoms of teen depression?
Depression is defined as a “serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities.” Depression is a multi-dimensional condition that can affect your teen’s emotional well-being, their performance in school, their relationships with others, and even their physical health.
Depression, which typically develops gradually, is characterized by noticeable changes in behavior and emotions. Your teen will likely begin to suffer from feelings of low self-esteem, consistent hopelessness or emptiness, and experience intense bouts of sadness or crying without any reason. Furthermore, your teen may frequently discuss death and dying (and giving their things away), engage in patterns of self-harm, fixate on minor issues, and assume that everything negative around them is their fault.
Few teens with depression will approach their parents and state, outright, that they are suffering and are in need of help. As your teen begins to exhibit one or more of the signs of depression listed above, it will be crucial to pay close attention and track how their behavior changes over time. If you believe that the criteria for teen depression are clearly being met, you should schedule a meeting with a licensed psychologist (or another medical professional).
What are some of the common causes of teen depression?
As you will find with many mental health conditions, depression can be caused by both genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors. If any of your teen’s blood relatives suffer from depression, they are more likely to suffer from depression themselves. Teen depression can also be triggered by their natural hormonal changes or chemically impaired neurotransmitters.
There are plenty of environmental factors that can trigger depression, too. Early childhood trauma, abuse, and “learned patterns of negative thinking” are all likely to trigger depression in teens. Furthermore, events, such as the death of a loved one, bullying in school, and familial rejection can all cause depression. Depression is strongly correlated with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse disorders, and many others.
How do I know if my teen is depressed?
One of the reasons that teen depression is currently untreated (many people need help, but don’t receive it) is that the onset of depression can be difficult to recognize. Parents should monitor changes in their teen’s mood, behavior, interests, and general worldview. If their performance in school or relationships with others begin to deteriorate, depression may be an underlying contributor. When in doubt, you should assume that your teen is experiencing a mental health condition and connect them with professional resources that can point them in a productive direction—even if the end diagnosis isn’t for depression, your teen’s physician may be able to find some other issue in need of treatment.
What are the most effective treatments for teen depression?
Depression is a condition that each individual will experience differently. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, it will be crucial to have a personalized treatment plan.
Individual therapy sessions will be recommended for nearly all teens suffering from depression. During these sessions, the facilitator will address how their depression has changed over time. They will also attempt to equip your teen with coping mechanisms that can be used in the event that they are triggered by an external event or the depression worsens for some other reason.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and many other treatment options have all been proven to help some teens with depression. In some cases, a teen depression rehab program (or Residential Treatment Center) might be needed. Depression is a condition that, for the most part, can be treated. However, recovering from depression will rarely take place overnight; overcoming this condition requires a consistent, concerted effort from all parties involved.
How can I effectively communicate with my teen about their mental health?
Not all parents are experts about depression, but all parents can potentially make a positive difference. When communicating with your teen about depression, it is important to demonstrate that you love them, you are there for them, and—perhaps most importantly of all—that you are not angry at or judging them in any way. Strive to create an environment where your teen can be open and honest about what they are experiencing. They will be naturally resistant to opening up to you, and that’s okay. As long as you are willing to be a true source of unconditional love, you will be moving in a positive direction. From there, you’ll be able to connect your teen with the remaining professional help that they need.
Conclusion – How to Recognize if Your Teen is Suffering from Depression (2020 Guide)
While teen depression is common, it is something that can be potentially treated. Parents are often responsible for starting the conversation and connecting their teens with additional resources. By understanding the signs and symptoms of depression and committing yourself to help your teen in whatever way you can, you play a pivotal role along the road to recovery.
