Is Your Child Depressed?

Amy Taylor March 03, 2015

A lot of times, we think of depression as something only the adults can experience. But no. Depression can affect children too, especially in their teenage years. And no matter how we care for our children, we can’t just completely protect them against mental health problems, such as depression.

Whilst the symptoms of depression are sometimes obvious, oftentimes they are not. Worse, the child may not even know that he or she is suffering from it. Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional melancholy. It is very destructive mental health problem that can lead to serious problems, such as alcohol and substance abuse, violence, unwanted pregnancy, and worse – suicide. Teenage life can be full of challenges, as well as pressures. The natural transition from child to adult can trigger parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. But whilst occasional mood swings are expected, depression is different. It often causes overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger, which can destroy the very essence of the teen’s personality.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Loss of interest in activities. One major red flag in depression is sudden loss of interest. If your teen normally spends weekends playing tennis or basketball, but all of sudden couldn’t care less about such activities, it might be a sign.

Changes in friendships. Do you notice a change in your son or daughter’s circle of friends? Does he or she spend less time with friends? Teens with depression may withdraw from their social circles and find comfort from others, which most of the time, are bad influences.

Withdrawal from family. Same with their friends, a depressed teen may isolate themselves from family members. If you notice that your child tend to choose being alone than making conversations with you or the other family members or relatives, it could be a sign of depression.

Unexplained aches and pains. Depressed teens usually complain about experiencing physical ailments like headaches or stomachaches. They may also suffer from fatigue symptoms. If the GP does not find a medical cause, depression may be to blame.

Irritability. More than anger, irritability is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager is often grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated or prone to angry outbursts.

Drop in grades. Depressed teens simply lack the zeal and enthusiasm to carry on with their creative and academic pursuits. So it is with no wonder that they also tend to get low grades. Academic problems can be a leading signal that your child is suffering from depression.

Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury. Depression can be a debilitating journey for any teen. But with help, it can be managed. Teen depression should be taken seriously and cautiously. Don’t ignore these signs and symptoms. If you think your child has them, contact a professional for help. With the help of talk therapy, counseling and other treatments, depression can be managed and teens can go back to their normal life.