Understanding teens can be challenging. Typical teenage behavior and depression often overlap. However, it is not always easy to distinguish between the two.
Teens experience physical and emotional highs and lows throughout development. Peer pressure, academic expectations, changing bodies, and preparation for adulthood bring on the heat for teens. Although they are experiencing so many things simultaneously, this is still a part of the average teenage experience. But for some teens, these highs and lows are symptoms of depression.
Causes of Teen Depression
Teenagers are affected by depression far more than many of us realize. It is known to cause persistent feelings of sadness, loneliness, and a loss of interest in usual activities. It has become a severe mental health problem in our youth.
One in every five teens will suffer from depression. Unfortunately, most never receive help. The national rate of depression in teens between the ages of 12-17 has increased from 8.1% to 16.39% since 2009. According to the NSDUH, depression is likely to triple in adolescent girls.
Many things cause depression in teenagers:
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Changes in hormonal balances
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Family history and genetics
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Stressful and traumatic childhood events
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Bullying
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Abnormal or impaired chemicals in the brain
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Learned patterns of negative thinking
Although the decline in teens’ mental health over the years has multiple contributors, Covid 19 is a significant culprit. The world was in shambles during the pandemic, but teens’ social and emotional well-being was dangerously affected. Schools were closed, families and friends were distant, sickness was rapid, and routines fell apart.
Signs and Symptoms of Teenage Depression
Teen depression is not just a phase. It goes well beyond typical moodiness. It can impact every aspect of their lives. If left untreated, it can become severe or even lead to death.
Depression can look different in everyone. Some teens will speak about their thoughts and feelings related to depression. Others are unaware of just how to express those feelings. Parents should pay attention to their teen’s actions. Behavioral and emotional symptoms can vary in severity. Here are a few signs to look for:
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Emotional Symptoms
- Irrational irritability and anger
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling unworthy
- Feelings of sadness and unexplainable crying spells
- Fixation of past failures
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Obsessive need for reassurance
- Trouble making decisions
- Loss of interest in building and maintaining relationships with family and friends
- Exaggerating self-blame and self-critique
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
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Behavioral Symptoms
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or restlessness
- Drastic changes in appetite-decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain.
- Frequent complaints of unexplainable pain
- Social isolation
- Risky behavior, acting out, or angry outbursts
- Self-harm
- Making a suicide plan
- Attempting to commit suicide
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Overcoming Teenage Depression
Unfortunately, no research studies prove the prevention of teenage depression, but a few strategies could help.
- Create restorative routines and practice positive self-care.
- Look for healthy ways to manage stress and boost self-esteem.
- Re-connect with friends and family for support.
- Seek professional help with counseling or therapy at the earliest sign of a problem.
Will Therapy Help My Depressed Teen?
If your teen is experiencing depression, consider talking with a licensed therapist. They will be in a secure environment with a mental health professional. A licensed therapist lets your teen openly express their feelings, identify and solve problems, and develop healthy coping techniques.
Therapy comes in different forms. Find the right kind of therapy for your teen. First, talk with your teen to prepare them for what happens in therapy. It helps if the teen knows what to expect, which helps reduce anxiety. A therapist will provide a safe space to open up and be authentic when discussing what problems they are truly facing.
Begin Therapy For Teenagers in Huntsville, AL.
If you are interested in finding an experienced counselor to assist you and your teen, Aspire Counseling & Consulting Services is a great place to start. We provide counseling and coaching services for teenagers and adolescents. We have a fantastic team of clinicians and counselors to help your teen overcome depression. Our team of therapists would be happy to offer support from our Huntsville, AL-based practice. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Aspire Counseling
- Meet with a caring counselor for teens
- Start addressing your teen’s behavioral concerns.
Other Services Offered With Aspire Counseling
Our team offers multiple services in support of your mental health. These services include marriage and couples counseling, individual counseling, anger management therapy, anger management classes, and depression therapy. We also offer support with continuing education, overcoming eating disorders, and offer online clinical supervision for social workers. Please feel free to visit our blog or FAQ for more helpful info! If you need more information about our rates, accepted insurance, and services or are ready to begin counseling services, please do not hesitate to call or visit our blog for more information.
