Understanding Teen Depression

Whether the incidences of teen depression are actually increasing, or we're just becoming more aware of them, the fact remains that depression is more common in teens than most people think. Although depression is treatable, only one in five depressed teens receive help. Teenagers must rely on parents, teachers, or other adults to recognize their suffering and get them treatment. So, if you have a teenager in your life, learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.

Warning signs and symptoms of depression in teens:

Sadness, irritability, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, agitation, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of motivation, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide.

If you're unsure if an adolescent is depressed or just "being a teenager," 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. While some growing pains are to be expected as teenagers struggle with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don't wait and hope the symptoms go away. If you see depression's warning signs, get professional help. If there are no health problems that are causing your teenager's depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in children and teens. A mental health professional with advanced training and experience treating adolescents is the best bet for their care. If the teenager tells you they are not connecting with their specialist, listen. Ask for a referral and try someone else. No one therapist is a miracle worker..