Depression in Teens: How To Recognize the Signs and Get Help
Depression in teens can be hard to recognize, especially if the teen in question doesn’t want to admit they have a problem. But, the sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovery and returning to normal functioning.
Here are the signs and symptoms of depression in teens and how to best help those suffering from it.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest. It can interfere with your ability to function at work or school and can cause problems with your relationships. Symptoms of depression include fatigue, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you have any of these signs, you need to get help from a mental health professional right away.
Does My Teen Have Depression?
Watching your teen go through tough times as a parent can be challenging. Maybe they’re having trouble at school or with friends. Maybe they seem more irritable or withdrawn than usual. Of course, these can all be regular teenage ups and downs. But sometimes, these problems can be signs of something more serious, like depression.
Is There Hope for My Depressed Teen?
It can be heartbreaking to watch your teenager suffer from depression as a parent. You may feel helpless and wonder if things will ever get better. But it’s important to remember that depression is a treatable illness. Your teen can feel happy and hopeful again if they get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Teen Depression
Though it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of depression, some common triggers include academic pressure, bullying, social media, and family conflict. If your teen is dealing with any of these issues, it’s essential to look for signs of depression.
Treatments for Teens with Depression
If your teen is experiencing depression, several treatment options are available. These include medication, therapy, and self-care. Medication can be an effective way to manage depression, but it’s essential to work with a doctor to find the proper medication and dosage for your teen. Therapy can also be helpful, either in individual or group settings. And finally, self-care is essential for all teens, especially those struggling with depression.
Managing Symptoms While Waiting for Help
If your teen displays signs of depression, taking action is vital. While you wait for professional help, here are a few things you can do to help your teen manage their symptoms
- Encourage them to stick to their routine as much as possible.
- Assist them in developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling or spending time outside.
- Make sure they get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
If you think your teen may be depressed, don’t wait to get help. The sooner they get treatment, the better their chances of recovery. While it can be challenging to talk about depression, remember that you’re not alone. Many resources are available to help you and your teen through this tough time.
At Malaty Therapy, we specialize in working with teens who struggle with depression. We offer various services, including individual and family therapy for teens and parents. In addition, we provide effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thinking patterns or behaviors so that the person becomes more aware of their thoughts and learns how to stop them from turning into actions.
Contact us today at our Danville, PA offices for more information about what we do and how we can help.
