These 6 Signs May Indicate Depression in Teens
Teenagers undergo a challenging transition period from childhood to young adulthood, and understanding their behavior can be challenging. Is their out-of-control behavior related to the natural process of adolescence or something more serious?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2016 approximately 3.1 million adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 experienced at least one episode of major depression. Depression is a serious mood disorder that, if left untreated with the help of a therapist for teens, can lead to severe short and long-term mental and even physical health issues. Moreover, depression in teens carries a high risk of suicide.
6 Common Signs of Depression in Teens
Below are six signs you can look for to determine if your teen could be experiencing depression. If you recognize any of the following signs in your teenager The Mindful Practice can help. We offer therapy for teens to help them through their challenging transition to young adulthood.
Excessive Crying and Sadness
Most teenagers experience high emotions from time to time. They may also describe this symptom as feeling “hopeless.” Teenagers may feel like life is not getting better instead they think it may last forever. These signs of excessive crying and sadness that persist for more than two weeks may indicate depression.
Lack of Motivation and Interest
Depression in teens may lead to difficulty concentrating. As a result, they may lose motivation and interest in activities that once occupied their time. They may also experience a lack of energy all the time, tasks like getting out of bed or even showering may seem to require more effort than usual for them.
Problems at School
Problems at school could also be caused by a lack of concentration and motivation. For example, skipping school, lack of participation in school and extracurricular activities, and plunging grades are all signs that your teen could be depressed.
Changes in Weight or Eating Habits
Has your teen’s eating habits changed? Are they skipping meals or eating larger portions more frequently? Eating more or less, as well as dramatic changes in weight (either gained or lost), is a sign of depression. This is because a teen may feel frustrated which leads them to use food as a coping mechanism or lose their appetite.
Withdrawal
Depression causes people to isolate themselves. It’s common for depressed teens to begin separating themselves from friends and family, wanting to instead spend time alone or locked in their room. If your teen is depressed, you may start to notice them begin to avoid spending time with friends and loved ones.
Suicidal Ideation
Thoughts or expressions of death or suicide should never be taken lightly and needs to be addressed right away. Threats or even jokes about suicide are a cry for help from your teen. If your teen expresses thoughts of suicide, react calmly, and then seek immediate help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the United States. You can also call 988.
Start Your Adolescent in Therapy for Teens
Has your adolescent displayed any of these signs of depression in teens? If so then it is important that you seek counseling for teens from an experienced mental health professional. The Mindful Practice has experienced Orlando therapists for teens. In order to get your teen started in therapy follow these simple steps.
- Contact us to speak with a caring therapist for teens
- Schedule your adolescents’ first therapy for teens appointment at The Mindful Practice.
- Watch your teenagers’ health and happiness thrive.
Other Counseling Services Offered at The Mindful Practice in Winter Park, FL
Our Orlando therapists offer several different types of therapy services to support the mental health of you and your teen. We offer depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and trauma therapy. As well as post-bariatric surgery therapy, grief counseling, and life transitions therapy. Some of the therapy styles we use include EMDR therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. Counseling is available in person at our Winter Park, FL-based therapy practice, and through online therapy in Florida.