Teen Depression
Recognizing Teen Depression
It is common for adolescents to occasionally feel unhappy. However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks, and the teen experiences other symptoms typical of depression, then he or she may be suffering from depression.
Estimates on how many adolescents experience depression vary from 3% to 6%. At any given time, from 2% to 10% of school-age children are thought to be suffering from depression.
There are many reasons why teenagers become unhappy. High stress environments can lead to depression. Teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over school performance, social interaction, sexual orientation, or family life. If friends or family, or things that the teen usually enjoys, don't help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that he or she is depressed.
Depression also tends to be more common in adolescents who have a history of depression in their families.
If you believe your teenager is suffering from depression, you should seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.
What are the Symptoms of Teen Depression?
Often, depressed teens will display a striking change in their thinking and behavior, lose their motivation, or become withdrawn. The following are the major signs of depression in adolescents.
- Sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight loss or gain
- Staying awake at night and sleeping during the day
- Withdrawal from friends
- Rebellious behavior, sudden drop in grades, or cutting school
- Complaints of pains including headaches, stomachaches, low back pain, or fatigue
- Use of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity
- A preoccupation with death and dying
Next: How is depression diagnosed in adolescents? »
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