Depression is very common among teenagers in the United States. It is estimated that about one in every eight teens will experience depression at some point during their teenage years. Depression can have a negative impact on their school, work, and social life. It can also lead to other serious problems, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Depression can have a profound effect on every aspect of a teenager’s life and should be a big concern for any parent. Here, we will discuss reasons why your teen may be depressed, signs of depression, and what to do if your teen is depressed.
Why Would My Teen Be Depressed?
There are many reasons why teens may become depressed. One reason is that they may feel like they don’t fit in. This can be worsened by bullying or feeling like they don’t have any friends. Another reason is if something bad happens, such as a family member dying or a break-up with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Teens may also become depressed if they have low self-esteem or body image issues, which in this day and age is exacerbated by social media.
Signs Your Teen is Depressed
Is your teen depressed? Below are some signs of a depressed teen:
- Is withdrawn and doesn’t want to participate in activities that they used to enjoy
- Has lost interest in their appearance and hygiene, or conversely, is highly focused on their appearance to the exclusion of other things
- Is experiencing sudden changes in mood, such as becoming easily irritated or angered for no apparent reason
- Has difficulty concentrating in school and has poor academic performance
- Has feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness on a regular basis
- Is engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and taking drugs
- Is talking about death or suicide
- Has become isolated from friends and family members
- Has made drastic changes in eating habits, such as not eating or binge eating
- Has dramatically altered sleep patterns– either oversleeping or not sleeping enough
What To Do If Your Teen is Depressed
If your teen is showing signs of depression, it’s important to take action. Depression can lead to serious problems if left untreated, so it’s important to get help for your child. Here are some things you can do if you think your teen may be depressed:
- Talk to your child about what they’re feeling. It’s important to open up the lines of communication and let them know that it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Encourage them to express what they’re going through and listen without judgment.
- Help them find healthy ways to cope with their emotions, such as exercising, journaling, or talking with friends who understand what they’re going through. Discourage them from turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs, which will only make the problem worse in the long run. Let them know of the consequences of these unhealthy coping mechanisms. Make sure they know that you are there for them and want to help however possible.
- Get professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in teenage depression. They can provide guidance and support during this time.
Teen Depression Treatment in Denver and Lakewood, CO
At Denver Wellness Associates, we provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment services to teens. Our board-certified providers are committed to your child’s mental health and have a lot of experience providing treatment and support to teens with depression, anxiety, phobias, mood disorders, issues with self-esteem and gender identity, and more. We maintain a safe space for teens and their parents needing expert treatment at this time.
Denver Wellness Associates accepts patients of all ages and aims to make it easy for anyone who needs help to receive it. If you have questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call or text us today at (720) 724-3668, send us an email at info@denverwellness.com, or use our convenient online request form.
