Teenagers are going through a tremendous amount of change, which is likely to result in some mood swings and uncharacteristic behavior. For this reason, a huge amount of teenagers who have depression never get the help that they need because it's put down to their age rather than as the serious issue that it is.
Acting Out
The rebellious teenager is a trope in literature and on television, but in fact, these 'rebellious' behaviors can be a sign of a deeper issue. If your teen is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, then they may be depressed:
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Problems at school, for example, not paying attention or a drop in grades.
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Running away from home or talking about running away.
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Drug and alcohol abuse; his is often an attempt to self-medicate but makes the problem much worse.
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Low self-esteem.
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Smartphone addiction.
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Reckless behaviors such as binging on alcohol and drugs, driving unsafely, or having unsafe sex.
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Violence is a common manifestation of depression, especially in boys.
Unexplained Aches and Pains
Emotional issues can manifest themselves in the body, particularly in the stomach or in the form of headaches. If your teen is suffering from aches and pains that can't be explained by any medical cause, then it's possible that their emotional state is the cause.
If you are concerned about medical misdiagnosis, then Anapol Weiss can advise you on whether you are able to take legal action.
Sadness or Hopelessness
If your teen exhibits signs of sadness or hopelessness and this continues over a long period of time, then it could be that they are feeling depressed rather than going through the more usual hormonal ups and downs.
Irritability or Anger
Depression in teenagers manifests itself slightly differently to depression in adults. Teenagers often become irritable and irrational if they are feeling depressed rather than exhibiting signs of sadness and may exhibit 'grumpy' or hostile behavior.
Withdrawal from Some People
While adults with depression may withdraw from everyone, teenagers often keep some social connections even when they are feeling depressed. If you notice that they used to socialize in a big group and now only speak with one or two friends, or that they have changed their friendship group entirely, this could be a sign of depression.
Sensitivity to Criticism
Nobody really enjoys criticism! However, if your child seems overly reactive to criticism, this could be due to the feelings of incredibly low self-worth that come along with depression. This is particularly true of teenagers who are high achievers.
If you think that your teen may be depressed, then be sure to make time to talk with them and be persistent, they may not open up to you at first, but they will appreciate you making the time for them. It's also a good idea to encourage physical activity, perhaps by taking a walk together. Don't hesitate to contact a medical professional if you are worried about your teen's mental health, as they will be able to help you to come up with an effective plan of action.
