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Prevention Action Alliance
Know! The Red Flags of Teen Depression
It’s December; tis the season to be jolly. That’s easier said than done
for many people, adults and teens alike. All the hustle and bustle can
worsen the symptoms of those who already suffer from anxiety and
depression into. And for others, the holidays can create the perfect
storm for the onset of symptoms.
Holiday parties, family gatherings, the overabundance of social media
pics and posts, the loss of a loved one, divorce or other family
separation, financial concerns, less sleep, indulging in unhealthy
foods and drinks, are all contributing factors to people of all ages
feeling overwhelmed, anxious and many times, depressed this time of the
year.
For some teens, feeling depressed can cause them to withdraw and avoid
social interactions, which oftentimes leads to further sadness and
loneliness – a downward spiral that can easily spin out of control.
These feelings, which may be more easily managed during other times of
the year, may be intensified in the midst of the holiday season.
As parents and other caregivers of young people, it is vital to be
aware of the many signs and symptoms of teen depression (according to
HelpGuide: Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression):
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Sadness or hopelessness
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Poor school performance
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Unexplained aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide
When considering the red flags for depression, it is important to know
that they may look very different in young people versus adults.
Irritability, anger, or hostility: The predominant mood in a depressed
teen is oftentimes irritability, as opposed to sadness. It is common
for a depressed youth to be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or
prone to angry outbursts.
Unexplained aches and pains: When a physical exam turns up zero answers
to your child’s chronic headaches, stomachaches and such, the cause may
be due to depression.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism: It is common for young people who are
depressed to experience feelings of worthlessness, which makes them
even more vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure than their
teenage peers.
Withdrawing from some, but not all people: Depressed teens typically
maintain at least some friendships, while depressed adults tend to
isolate themselves. Depressed youth, however, are known to socialize
less, pull away from their parents, and start hanging out with a new
crowd.
You are now aware of the many potential triggers of teen depression
this time of the year. You are also aware of the signs and symptoms to
look out for when it comes to youth who are depressed. Now it’s time to
start up a conversation with your child, as communication is key.
How you communicate is as important as what you communicate. When
talking with your child, focus on listening, not lecturing. Be gentle
but persistent, knowing that it can be extremely difficult for a teen
to express having feelings of sadness and depression. Acknowledge their
feelings, even if it seems silly or irrational to you. In the end,
trust your gut. If your child won’t open up to you, but you know there
is something more going on, consider reaching out to a school
counselor, teacher, or mental health professional. The essential piece
is to get them talking.
Whether you question if there is a potential issue of depression or
not, talking regularly with your son or daughter on topics such as this
will help to build and foster a strong relationship between the two of
you.
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