Depression in teens is rare, it is not very common, but it should not be ignored when there are certain signs and symptoms. Adolescent depression may be different from that of adults, with no common course and symptoms.
However, we need to be sure of one thing: it should not be ignored as a transitional stage in adolescence.
Depression must be diagnosed and properly treated in a timely manner with consultation with a physician.
13 Symptoms Indicating Teenage Depression
Here are some symptoms that can indicate depression in teens. Of course, the onset of symptoms may not always mean depression.
However, if you start to notice that your partner, girlfriend, or child is manifesting more than these symptoms, it should be an alarm that something more serious is happening.
Frequent sadness and crying in teens is a symptom of depression
Teenagers manifest sadness in many different ways:
For example, grief can be manifested through dressing, writing poetry, music, and the like.
It can also happen that teenagers start crying for no apparent reason.
When teens feel hopeless
Adolescents can sometimes feel that life is not worth living.
At such times they do not even want to do their best, so they may begin to neglect their basic hygiene habits.
In such a case, they believe that the negative state in which they find themselves will never change.
The idea of negativity prevails, and they begin to look pessimistically to the future.
Decreased interest in activities among teenagers
The apathy in which teenagers can get involved can cause them to abandon various activities.
They may stop joining clubs, sports, and other activities they enjoyed until recently.
They are bored, they lack energy
Lack of motivation and low energy levels are reflected in dropping out of school or completely refusing to go to school.
A drop in average grade may reflect a loss of concentration and slow thinking.
Although sometimes it can mean the first love affair, so school success is not an absolute indicator of teenage depression.
Social isolation and poor communication are symptoms of depression
Disinterest in relationships with friends and family may occur.
Adolescents may begin to avoid family gatherings and events.
Some teenagers who have spent all their time with friends until recently, may withdraw and spend most of their time alone, without interest in society.
This is because they do not want to share their feelings with others.
Because they think that they are alone in the world, that no one listens to them, or that no one can understand them.
Low self-esteem and guilt
Teenagers can take the blame for negative events or circumstances.
They may feel that they are not worth enough as a person and that they are constantly failing.
In this way, teenagers develop the feeling that they are not “good enough”.
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Believing they are unworthy, depressed teens become even more depressed with each rejection or lack of success.
Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
Depressed teens are often irritable.
They mostly express their anger towards their families.
They can use critical, sarcastic, or offensive words, uncultured words, and the like.
Maybe in times of depression, they think they should reject their family before the family rejects them.
Teenagers with depression have difficulty communicating
Teenagers can suddenly lose interest in making friends.
They will shut themselves in and will not answer calls from friends, nor will they receive visits.
They often complain of physical ailments such as headaches and abdominal pain
Adolescents may complain of headaches, dizziness, back or stomach pain.
Other common problems are vomiting or menstrual problems in teenage girls.
read more: What Should 10-year-olds Learn?
Poor concentration as a symptom of teenage depression
Teenagers may have trouble concentrating at school.
They will not even be able to concentrate during conversations or even while watching TV.
Major changes in diet and sleep
Such problems always indicate that something is bothering them.
Sleep or eating disorders (which can also lead to anorexia or bulimia) should not be neglected.
Running away from home is also a feature of depression
Escape is usually a cry for help.
Many parents only then realize that their child has a problem and needs help.
Thoughts or statements about suicide or destructive behavior towards yourself
Adolescents who are depressed may sometimes mention suicide.
True, depressed children and young people are at increased risk of suicide.
If a child or teen says, “I want to kill myself” or “I will kill myself,” always take them seriously.
Do not wait and seek help immediately from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Drinking alcohol and drugs
Depressed teens may start consuming alcohol.
Even worse if they start using narcotics as a way to feel better.
Self-harm in adolescents with depression
Teenagers who have difficulty expressing their feelings may even begin to show emotional tension.
They show physical restlessness, pain, and low self-esteem by hurting themselves.
Finally, if you notice any of these symptoms, and especially most of them, seek professional advice and help immediately.
