Depression in a teenager: What to do?

In a recent study of 400 young adolescents aged 10 to 14 years, conducted by the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in Western Australia, 10% were clinically depressed and more than half were assessed by doctors as being at risk for future depression. Depressed adolescents believed that happiness could only be achieved through fame, money and beauty. Happy adolescents tended to believe that life satisfaction depended on successful personal relationships and setting worthy goals. What is teenage depression? What causes it and how can it be treated?

What is teenage depression?

Teen depression is more than just a bad mood - it's a serious problem that affects every aspect of a teenager's life. Teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug addiction, self-loathing, even violence or suicide. But there are many ways parents, teachers, and friends can help cope with depression.

Read also: 8 Things You Need to Know About Antidepressants

There are many misconceptions about teenage depression. During adolescence, many children are quite aggressive, difficult to deal with, rebellious, and want to be independent. Teenagers often have mood swings and are sad. But depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager's personality, causing overwhelming feelings of sadness, despair, or anger.

The incidence of teenage depression is increasing worldwide, and we are increasingly aware of this when we look at our children or their friends. Depression affects the psyche of a teenager much more often than most people realize. And although teenage depression is very treatable, experts say that only one in five cases of depression gets help.

Unlike adults, who can seek help on their own, teens usually have to rely on parents, teachers, and caregivers to recognize depression and get the treatment they need. So if you have teens, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you notice the symptoms.

Symptoms of Teen Depression

Teenagers face a lot of pressure from adults, from grades at school to control from mom and dad. And at this time, a hormonal storm passes through their body, which makes the psyche of a teenager even more vulnerable and fragile than before. During adolescence, children begin to fiercely defend their independence. For them, something that an adult would only smile sadly at can be a drama. Since adults are used to seeing teenagers often in an agitated state, it is not always easy for them to distinguish between depression and the whims and mood swings inherent in teenagers. If you notice these symptoms in a teenager, most likely, he or she is depressed.

Signs of Depression in Teens

• Sadness or hopelessness for a long time
• Irritability, anger or hostility
• Tearfulness
• Rejection of friends and family
• Loss of interest in any activity
• Loss of appetite and poor sleep
• Anxiety and worry
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide 

If you are not sure that your teenager is depressed, consult a psychologist with him.

The Negative Impact of Teenage Depression

The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many instances of unhealthy behavior or aggressive attitudes in teenagers are actually signs of depression. Below are some ways in which teenagers can show adults that they are depressed. They do this not out of spite, but as an attempt to cope with emotional pain.

Problems at school. Depression can lead to loss of energy and difficulty concentrating. At school, it can lead to poor attendance, arguments in class, or frustration with schoolwork even in children who used to do very well.

Running away from home. Many depressed teenagers run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are a cry for help.

Drugs and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to "self-medicate" depression. Unfortunately, these methods lead to irreversible consequences.

Low self-esteem. Depression can provoke and intensify feelings of helplessness, shame, and a sense of meaninglessness in life.

Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape their problems. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed.

Desperate, reckless behavior. Depressed teenagers may engage in dangerous activities (for example, robbing a passerby on the street) or take desperate risks, such as dangerous driving or unprotected sex.

Violence. Some depressed teenagers (usually boys who are victims of bullying) become aggressive. Self-hatred and a desire to die can develop into violence and rage against others.

Teen depression is linked to a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders.

Symptoms of Suicidal Tendency in Depressed Teens

1. Talks or jokes about suicide.
2. Says things like, "I'd rather die," "I'd like to disappear forever," or "I have no way out."
3. He talks about death with admiration, something like "If I died, everyone would regret it and love me more").
4. Writes stories and poems about death or suicide.
5. Participates in dangerous, traumatic sports.
6. Saying goodbye to friends and family as if forever.
7. Looking for weapons, pills, or discussing ways to kill himself.

The problem of depression needs to be addressed, and the sooner the better. It is very important that the teenager shares his problems with you. The teenager may not want to tell you about them. He may be ashamed, he may be afraid of being misunderstood. In addition, depressed teenagers have a very difficult time expressing what they feel.

If you think your child is depressed, you should trust your instincts. What makes things even more difficult is that teens may not see their behavior as a result of depression.

Tips on How to Talk to a Depressed Teen

Offer support	Let your depressed teen know that you will do everything for them completely and unconditionally. Don't ask them a lot of questions (teens don't like to feel controlled), but let them know that you are willing to provide any support they need.
Be gentle but persistent.	Don’t give up if your teen shuts you out first. Talking about depression can be a very difficult test for teens. Consider your teen’s comfort level in the conversation, while emphasizing your concern for their well-being and willingness to listen.
Listen to your teenager without moralizing	A teenager will always resist an adult's urge to criticize or judge as soon as he or she starts talking. The important thing is that your child communicates with you. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or ultimatums.
Just acknowledge the child's problems.	Don't try to tell your teens that it's silly to be depressed, even if their feelings or problems seem really silly or irrational to you. Just acknowledge the pain and sadness they're feeling. If you don't, they'll know you're not taking their emotions seriously.

Teenager and suicide

If you suspect that a teenager may commit suicide, take immediate action! Take the child to a psychologist, psychotherapist, show more attention and care to him.

Teens who are seriously depressed often talk about suicide or make "attention-grabbing" suicide attempts. Some teens do not actually want to kill themselves and do not go beyond suicidal thoughts, but parents and teachers should always take such "signs" very seriously.

For the vast majority of suicidal teens, depression or another mental disorder is a high risk factor. Depressed teens who abuse alcohol or drugs have an even higher risk of suicide. Because of the real danger of suicide in depressed teens, parents and teachers should be alert for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Methods for diagnosing adolescent depression

Depression is very destructive to a teenager's fragile psyche if left untreated, so don't wait and hope that the symptoms will go away on their own. Seek professional help.

Be prepared to give the doctor information about your child's depressive symptoms, including how long they've been present, how they're affecting your child's daily activities, and any other symptoms that worry you. You should also tell the doctor about any family members who have suffered from depression or any other mental health disorder.

If there are no underlying health issues that are causing your teen’s depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in child and adolescent psychology. Teen depression can be a complex condition, especially when it comes to treatment. No one can do miracles for your child. You will need to work with the symptoms of depression over a long period of time. If your child feels uncomfortable seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral to another specialist who may be a better fit for your child.

The Difference Between Teenage and Adult Depression

Depression in teens can be very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teens than in adults:

Irritability, anger, or mood swings - As noted above, irritability, rather than the sadness that is common in adults, is often the predominant characteristic of depressed teens. A depressed teen may be grumpy, hostile, easily upset, or prone to angry outbursts.

Unexplained pains - depressed teens often complain of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomach aches. If a thorough physical examination reveals no medical cause for these pains, this may indicate depression.

Extreme sensitivity to criticism - depressed teenagers suffer from feelings of inferiority, which makes them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection and failure. This becomes a particularly serious problem in school, when the child's performance declines sharply.

Withdrawing from people (but not everyone). While adults tend to withdraw when they are depressed, teenagers tend to maintain friendships, but limit their circle to a select few. However, depressed teenagers may socialize much less than they used to, may barely communicate with their parents, or may start hanging out with a different group.

Don't rely on medication alone

There are several treatment options for depression in teens, including individual therapy or group sessions. There is also a method of family therapy. Medication is a last resort, and it is only part of a comprehensive treatment, not a panacea.

Any type of psychological therapy is often good for treating mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants should be used as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan in more severe cases.

Unfortunately, some parents believe that antidepressants are the only way to cure a child. This is far from true, any treatment is individual and can change depending on the results.

Risks of Teen Antidepressant Use In severe cases of depression, medications can help relieve symptoms. However, antidepressants are not always the best treatment option. They can have side effects such as addiction, sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, and drowsiness. It is important to weigh the risks before starting antidepressants.

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Antidepressants and the Teenage Brain

Antidepressants were developed and tested on adults, so their effects on the young, developing brain are not fully understood. Some researchers are concerned that using drugs like Prozac in children and teens may interfere with their brains’ normal development. Teen brains are developing rapidly, and exposure to antidepressants can affect that development, especially how a teen manages stress and regulates their emotions.

Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in some teenagers. The risk of suicide, according to research by experts, is highest during the first two months of treatment with antidepressants.

Teens who take antidepressants should be closely monitored by their doctors and parents. Any signs that symptoms of teen depression are getting worse should be a signal to reconsider the treatment.

Warning symptoms include increased agitation, irritability, or uncontrollable anger in the teen, as well as sudden changes in behavior.

According to psychotherapists who deal with adolescent depression, after starting to take antidepressants or changing their dosage, a teenager should consult a doctor:

• Once a week for four weeks
• Every 2 weeks for the next month
• At the end of the 12th week of taking the drugs

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Supporting a teenager as a treatment for depression

The most important thing you can do for your child is to let them know that you will always support them. Now more than ever, your teenager needs to know that you value them, love them, and care about them.

Be patient. Living with a depressed teenager in the same house is not an easy task. From time to time, you may feel tired, despair, want to quit, or any other negative emotions. During this difficult time, it is important to remember that your child will definitely recover, you are already working on it. Your teenager is suffering too, so it is better to be patient and understanding.

Encourage physical activity. Encourage your teen when they exercise or do yoga. Exercise can help ease symptoms of depression, so find ways to get your teen physically active. Something as simple as walking the dog or riding a bike can be helpful.

Encourage social activity. Isolation only makes a teenager feel worse, so encourage them when they want to spend time with friends or you.

Be involved in treatment. Make sure your teen follows all instructions and the doctor and takes all the necessary medications on time and in full. This is especially important if your teen is taking prescription medications. Monitor your teen for changes in her condition and contact the doctor if you think her depression symptoms are getting worse.

Learn more about depression. If you don’t know much about the condition, you need to read up on depression so you can become an expert too. The more you know, the better you can help your depressed teen. Encourage your teen to learn more about depression, too. Reading non-fiction books can help teens feel like they’re not alone and give them a better understanding of what they’re going through.

The road to recovery for your teen can be long, so be patient. Celebrate the small victories and don’t stress over the failures. Most importantly, don’t judge yourself or compare your family to others. You are doing everything you can to help your teen overcome depression, and they are doing the same.