Teenagers often seem like aliens. Parenting a teen can leave you feeling out of sorts fairly often. There are all those moods and hormones. Then you have to factor in the latest pop culture influences you’re no longer cool enough to recognize. And these days, you can’t forget to consider the ongoing effects of the coronavirus lockdown.
All of this adds up to a very unique time in anyone’s life. Amidst all this confusion, it may be difficult to tell if your teen needs some help. In particular, what would it look like if they were struggling with depression? How in the world can a parent recognize the signs with everything that’s going on in the world today?
Types of Depression
People can feel depressed in a normal, inevitable way. Feeling sad or blue is part of the human condition. Depression with a capital “D” is a diagnosable mental health disorder. So, right away, this makes it especially tough to parse out the specifics. Professional guidance is often required.
There are many types of depression disorders. The most common include:
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Major Depression
Major Depression, also known as Clinical Depression, is a severe and persistent form of depression characterized by profound sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. It can significantly impact one’s ability to function in daily life.
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Psychotic Depression
Major Depression with psychotic features combines the symptoms of major depression with features of psychosis, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (false beliefs). These added symptoms can make it challenging to distinguish between reality and imagination.
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, involves extreme mood swings between episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. In depressive phases, individuals experience symptoms akin to major depression, while manic or hypomanic phases involve heightened energy, impulsivity, and elation.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a subtype of depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically occurring in the fall and winter when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms include fatigue, oversleeping, weight gain, and low energy. Light therapy and lifestyle adjustments are common treatments.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) marked by significant mood disturbances, including intense irritability, sadness, and emotional sensitivity, in the days leading up to menstruation. These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning.
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression affects some women after giving birth. It is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. It can make it difficult for new mothers to bond with their infants and necessitates medical intervention and support.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression lasting for at least two years. It involves milder but long-lasting symptoms, such as low self-esteem, poor appetite or overeating, and sleep problems.
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‘Situational’ Depression
Situational Depression, also called Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, arises in response to specific life stressors or major life changes, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or job loss. It typically resolves once the situation or stressor is addressed or adapted to.
For teens, depression can cross a few of the above distinctions. At that time of life, there is so much to juggle and process. This means there are many potential triggers for depression, e.g.
- Trying to make new friends
- Dating and sex
- Keeping grades up
- Body image
- Planning for college and the future
- Time management
All of the above creates a perfect storm for emotional issues during our teen years. Even if you don’t initially see any red flags, it’s important to remain observant and diligent.
7 Signs That Your Teen May Need Help With Depression
1. Changes in Sleep Patterns
This can range from insomnia to excessive sleeping. The key is to watch for shifts away from what you know to be the norm. Also, keep an eye out for your teen moving slower or complaining of fatigue.
2. Changes in Eating Patterns
Once again, there is no one way this symptom presents. Your teen could be binge eating or barely eating at all. Related signs include a fixation on weight or a distorted body image.
3. Mood Swings
This can be awfully tricky to understand. Almost by definition, teens can display hair-trigger emotions and reactions. However, if it feels like their moods are increasingly unpredictable or volatile, it could be a red flag. A sharp decline in self-esteem may also be a cause of concern.
4. Academic Problems
It may be an A student getting C’s or C student failing tests. As with all these signs, your job is to look for shifts from what feels normal in your teen’s life.
5. Social Withdrawal
Even if your child was never a social butterfly, pay close attention if they begin to isolate. Whether it’s depression or something else, it should not be ignored.
6. Unexplained Physical Issues
Pain or bouts of crying or struggles with exhaustion — anything without an explanation warrants closer examination.
7. Risky Behaviors
This might involve drinking, drugs, criminal activities, or sexual promiscuity.
Help with Teenage Depression
You may have noticed some trends in that list. The most important, however, just might be the difficulty in discerning teen moods from mental distress. There is no reason to believe every parent can analyze all such behavior without help. Parents of teens may consider:
- Individual therapy for themselves in order to learn more
- Suggesting their child talk to a mental health professional
- Talking to a therapist together with their teenaged child
Many options exist but “wait and see” is not what your child needs you to choose now. Depression deserves attention, you can contact me through this website or you can book an appointment to get your teen the help they need.
