Introduction to Teenage Depression

Being a teenager is tough, and it’s not just an empty phrase. Teenagers are some of the most vulnerable populations today, and their mental health, particularly depression, is a growing concern. Media often use the buzzword “teen depression epidemic,” and it’s real. The numbers are staggering and deserve much more attention than we often give them: since 1990, the number of depressed teens in the U.S. has increased by 19%. The current state of the world is troubling in many ways, starting with climate change anxiety — often affecting teens the most — and ending with economic and social troubles. COVID-19 was another contributor, but while it was just a part of life for many adults, the period of isolation coincided with new generations growing up. Many adults don’t realize how difficult it can be for their kids because, hey, adolescence is cool. In reality, we need to pay much attention to what’s happening.

And it’s not just the mood swings; everyone has them. Depression is different because it lasts for weeks or even months, influencing an individual’s daily functioning. Parents can accidentally notice their kid getting moodier or distant but hesitate about the possible causes of teenage depression. If something happens (say, a breakup or a bad school day), teenagers can be lost for a few days or even weeks, but the feeling subsides. Depression lingers, however.

This article will delve into strategies of how to help a depressed teen and what to do to motivate them to grow with you.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression

First of all, let’s briefly focus on a vital fact: you’re doing a good job taking care of your teen’s mental health and paying attention to their well-being. Sometimes, it’s not evident at once if your kid has depression or if it’s just dog days. Below are the most common teenage depression signs parents should pay attention to.

Emotional symptoms

Probably quite unsurprising, low mood is the main sign of depression. Sadness isn’t always being teary-eyed and sad; it can be more subtle, such as smiling less or feeling off in a very small manner. Sometimes, sadness manifests in a lack of interest in the things a person previously liked, such as favorite school subjects or hobbies. You might notice your kid avoiding their football practice, skipping reading their favorite book, or stopping following that one show they used to adore.

Teens can also get more easily frustrated. Why? Well, depression creates a sense of one’s needs being unmet, hence the irritation. For instance, a teenager can get more snappy at minor things, even the ones that didn’t bother them as much before. This also means they can’t manage everything with more emotional restraint because it’s already been spent. It’s pretty much the same way adults become more frustrated when their emotional energy is already low.

Another troubling sign is hopelessness. It’s an emotion that, despite common maximalist beliefs of some youngsters (we’ve all been there), is very apparent. It can sound through phrases like “This won’t do any good” or “There’s no point doing this.” This sensation can transpire to studies or lack of effort in other areas.

There’s another thing to briefly observe: the use of devices. But before parents rush to pluck smartphones from their children’s hands, we will highlight that everyone uses smartphones today. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a teen is depressed. However, there is a correlation between more regular social media use and depression. Sometimes, social media gets too addictive, while in other instances, it’s just a way for teenagers to release their stress from real life.

Physical symptoms

Unsurprisingly, depression has a significant physical toll on a person, and teens can experience it on many levels. That is why parents need to analyze their child’s health conditions and listen to their concerns. Let’s not forget that growing up is already stressful, and many teens struggle with many body changes. Sometimes, it can even send parents on a goose chase — they might feel like the symptoms are natural parts of growing up, while it’s depression lurking.

Depression is often accompanied by fatigue. People's sleep quality can drop, which leads to a lack of energy even after a full night’s sleep, making it hard to get out of bed or stay motivated throughout the day. A teenager can suddenly have no energy for sports, homework, or outings with friends. This also means changes in sleep and appetite.

No matter the level of fatigue, sleep is often the first thing that gets disturbed. Usually, teenagers want to sleep more because their bodies are growing, but depression can further make this issue evident. This isn’t always the case: sometimes, a child’s sleep gets disrupted and they struggle with insomnia. This, in turn, again makes fatigue more pressing.

Appetite fluctuations are also common for clinical depression and other mental health conditions worth your attention. Some teens may lose interest in food, while others turn to eating for comfort. Both can lead to noticeable weight changes, again contributing to teenage perceptions of low self-esteem.

Causes and Risk Factors

All parents want to know why their child is hurting, and it’s totally normal. Many factors can cause depression, but usually, it’s the mix of the two.

Biological and hormonal influences

Teenage depression is often rooted in biological and hormonal factors that can be especially influential during this period of their lives.

Genetic factors. Depression often runs in families, so if one family member, especially a parent, has it, it is wise to be more attentive to it. Even other childhood health problems and chronic illnesses that can influence parents can indirectly affect young people. Keep the family history in mind.
Neurotransmitter imbalances. Alterations in brain chemicals, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, are known to cause depression. Because these are related to mood regulation, their dysregulation can lead to depressive symptoms.
Hormonal fluctuations. As we’ve mentioned, adolescents witness many body changes, and hormones have an important role in the process. Increased production of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone in particular can lead to mood shifts.

Social and environmental risk factors

Social and environmental factors are some of the most influential in the development of depression, especially among young adults with increased biological vulnerability.

Academic pressure. School becomes more demanding when children enter their teenage years. Teachers and parents reminding them of exams, higher education, and adult responsibilities can accidentally make them feel overwhelmed.
Bullying and social isolation. Unfortunately, bullying is very common during teenage years. Victims of bullying and peer problems are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and other mental health issues. Even without the extreme of bullying, those without a teen mental health support network can still struggle.
Social media. Although the Internet can help teens connect with new people and even feel better if they don’t have many friends nearby, using social media too much can be harmful to their mental health. It causes unhealthy comparisons with others and distracts from other daily interactions.

The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Friends in Support

Dealing with depression shouldn’t be a lonely task — parents, teachers, and friends can notice the warning signs early and intervene or offer support to prevent more serious symptoms.

How to recognize warning signs early

1. Observe daily patterns. Adults should pay attention to noticeable changes in behavior, even if they seem small. Some symptoms of depression can be changes in sleep patterns or eating habits. In many cases, depressed teenagers lose interest in their hobbies, abandoning them for days or weeks. Another option is angry outbursts: are they more common? The opposite?

2. Listen to what they say (and don’t say). Teenagers often express their feelings verbally — parents and teachers should just listen to how they say it. For example, many fall into self-criticism, calling themselves “Not smart enough” or their actions “futile.” Occasionally, this talk can even fall into discussions of suicide or “disappearing,” even if jokingly. This sign is especially vital not to overlook, so don’t treat it as something insignificant. But there may be another side to it as well; some teens go completely 180 and stop engaging at all. They may stop discussing important topics or avoid talking about themselves.

3. Notice physical and academic changes. Depression can lead to headaches or stomachaches even when no medical cause is apparent. It can be a result of stress and anxiety, too. Your kid can struggle with concentrating or focusing on classes, which eventually causes dropping grades and/or discipline. Plus, some teens can neglect personal hygiene, including not brushing their teeth or not showering. If you don’t know for sure, most teens can express some signs during their studies, so you can ask your school counselor about it. Other children can also be sources of information, but it's not always a good idea in terms of trust.

4. Watch for risk-taking behaviors. Did you know that self-harming behaviors can manifest themselves in risky actions, such as drunk or fast driving, meeting strangers, fighting with other kids, or even engaging in unprotected sex? Undeniably, not all risky activities are a sign of depression. A lot of young people try to experiment and try out new things, which is typical of their age. Be attentive to this, regardless. If this tendency has grown more common, it may be a symptom of substance abuse or depression.

The importance of open communication

This is a thing many people discuss, but open and honest communication can be the single most important thing parents or friends can do for those in need of help. Teenagers often don’t like disclosing their mental state; sometimes, it’s stereotypes, while in other cases, they struggle with shame or misunderstanding of what is happening.

It’s best to leave room for talk without pressuring an individual into telling of their other mental health problems, conditions, or struggles — you’re not asking for a criminal confession, after all. Adopt the active listening strategy, express a desire to hear a person out, and do not interrupt. The same goes for the no-judgment approach: sometimes, parents and teachers can forget that their goal isn’t to assess or give unsolicited advice. Phrases like “Cheer up” or “Just don’t think about it” can be more than unhelpful. They can be harmful.

Parents are the main sources of comfort for their depressed teens, but teachers or a close friend can be a part of the support network. Educators can have a unique perspective on how a student behaves, especially because they spend much time together every weekday. Friends, on the other hand, are often the first to know if their peers are depressed. They can encourage communication and remind them they are here, ready to understand and accept.

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Strategies for Helping Teens Manage Depression

Parents can help their children develop strategies to deal with depression and find ways to minimize its impact on their lives. Teens who develop such routines are more likely to build resilience and be prepared for future challenges, whether psychological or not.

Encouraging healthy habits

Depression can set the entire routine awry, and teens don’t necessarily focus on rebuilding them without a bit of external help.

Encourage exercising. Movement helps alleviate depression symptoms and can improve mood even after a single session. It’s pretty common to overemphasize the need to maintain physical activity for the sake of a body ideal — but this is a dangerous path to try. Instead, adults should remind their teens how good it is to move and return energy to their bodies. And why not ask your kids for a small basketball match in the backyard? We know you’re tired after work, but it can be a nice bonding moment and takes the pressure off their shoulders, becoming a group activity.
Focus on sleep. Yeah, we know: how to encourage normal sleep in a teen’s life? Sounds impossible. Unfortunately, parents have little authority in this regard unless they want to impose strict limitations on their child’s bedtime routine. If you’re a parent with this challenge ahead, go from the place of logic and compassion. Explain why it’s important, and suggest some changes that can help your child like your idea. Maybe it’s a yoga before sleep together, or a no-phone rule, or lazy reading in bed. Tricking them into liking it is still better than forcing — even at this age.
Offer a balanced diet. School and extracurriculars can make healthy eating more difficult. A regular student gets a bite of chips here and an apple there. Parents can pack lunches for their children with healthy and tasty options and buy them nice, filling snacks. When cooking at home, adults should incorporate nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Too much sugar is a no; it can influence a person's mood significantly.

Teaching coping skills and emotional regulation for mental health

Changing the routine might not be enough, and parents should help their kids find new tools to deal with difficult emotions healthily.

Breathing and relaxation techniques. Working on one’s breathing can be a great tool for handling stress, even in high-pressure situations. For example, you can teach your kid box breathing to make them more relaxed before an exam. Meditation is another strategy to add to the list of strategies — teens can use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided practice.

Journaling. Writing down one’s emotions allows teens to process their feelings healthily and explore them privately. While parents can’t exactly make their children journal, they can help them by giving creative prompts or buying them a nice-looking diary. Who doesn’t like an aesthetic nudge of stationery, after all?

Social connections. It doesn’t matter how great a parent you are; teens need social support from friends, and their friends often hold more influence on them in matters of the mind and heart. Be there for your kid and offer comforting family gatherings, but also encourage spending time with friends or joining new activities. Some ideas are sports or travel groups, volunteering, or creative clubs — all isolation repellents.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, lifestyle changes and support systems aren’t enough, and it doesn’t mean it was in vain: they are useful mechanisms for adaptation and coping. If parents have adopted these strategies and they didn’t significantly help, it might be a sign to look for a mental health professional and explore treatment options.

Therapy options

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and scientifically proven methods for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, creating a positive cycle of emotional and behavioral change. It’s practical, straightforward, and has time limits. It’s pretty popular among parents and children because it has measurable and fast results.

Family counseling is another alternative to boost a person's mental health. As the words suggest, it requires the entire family to attend sessions with a mental health professional to improve the family dynamic. Depression, especially if lingering, can affect everyone in the family. Even without it, parents can participate in family counseling to help their children and, together with therapists, find solutions to the potential underlying problems that might cause depression in teens.

Medication considerations and myths

For some teens, medication can be a necessity even if the talk therapy works well. There are many misconceptions about antidepressants or other drugs for people's mental health, and many hesitate to go for the route of mental health services. Let’s look at common questions and misconceptions about medication for depression.

When is the time for antidepressant medications? Usually, a doctor or psychiatrist can recommend antidepressants or something else if therapy doesn’t help or if depression is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.

Do antidepressants change a person’s personality? No, it’s just a myth. Adolescent depression is often treated with antidepressants without any major side effects. Medication can balance the brain chemistry and impact the work of neurotransmitter systems. This means it actually helps a teenager feel like themselves again, improves their mental health condition, and guides them to grow better with talk therapy.

Does medication cause addiction? No, antidepressants don’t make a person addicted or dependent on them. During the treatment, doctors help to adjust the plan and increase the dose or change a medication if needed.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In a world where teenage depression is common, many adolescents suffer from low mood, fatigue, and irritability. Parents can notice behavioral changes or negative self-talk as common signs of depression. Some teens fall into social isolation or risky activities, all of which can have devastating consequences for them.

Open communication and willingness to listen are the first steps toward working together to help your teenager. Communication, willingness to listen, and improving routine are the first steps parents should take on the path toward dealing with depression. Breathing, meditation, and socialization can contribute to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. If these don’t work, however, medication and therapy can be helpful.

Supporting a teen with depression can be difficult, but remember that you don’t need to be a superhero or hold all the answers. You just have to be there for them and be patient. Your love makes all the difference, and you’ve got plenty of it. Take care of yourself too; the path will be long, and you will need support from your family and friends as you heal — together with your child.

References

Wilson, S., & Dumornay, N. M. (2022). Rising rates of adolescent depression in the United States: Challenges and opportunities in the 2020s. Journal of Adolescent Health, 70(3), 354–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.12.003

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