How Can Parents Tell If Their Teenager Is Depressed?

Teens face many pressures whilst growing up such as puberty, who they are and how they fit in. During this transition from childhood to adulthood and as they begin to assert their independence, they can encounter certain difficulties. Occasional bad moods, friction with parents and grumpiness is common at this age, consequently, it is very hard for parents to know whether or not there may be a problem such as depression.

Additionally, youngsters find it difficult to talk about their feelings or ask for help on their own so usually they rely on parents, teachers, guardians or their caregivers. If you’re not sure whether your teenager is depressed or not, consider how long the symptoms have been present, their severity and how different the adolescent is acting from his/her normal self and how it is interfering with everyday life.

Depression is a serious problem that can actually impact every part of the adolescent’s life. It can have a detrimental effect on a teenager’s personality, causing an overpowering sense of sadness, gloom, hopelessness or anger.

There can be many causes of depression, such as life events, loss, traumatic childhood experiences, genetics, physical conditions, diet, street drugs/alcohol, feelings of worthlessness after achieving lower grades, social standing with peers, family discord, family relationships and pressures.

Whether parents think it is depression or not, it is best to talk to their teen. Any problem will need addressing and the behaviour or emotions understood so it’s best to open up. If the teen denies or says nothing is wrong, parents should still trust their gut feelings and instincts. They should not probe too much but let their teen know that he/she has their full and unconditional support. They can show that they are willing to listen. Listening should be without judging, criticizing or offering advice.

Some of the symptoms and effects of depression in teens:

• Sadness or hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in activities enjoyed before.
• Losing appetite, losing weight.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Lack of motivation.
• Feeling tired and low energy.
• Concentration difficulties, poor grades, frustration and despair.
• Low self-worth and low self-esteem.
• Blaming oneself and feeling guilty.
• Overachieving teens when depressed may become highly sensitive to criticism.
• Lots of negative thoughts, frequent tearfulness.
• Feeling numb and empty, excessive computer use.
• Irritability and anger, rage, prone to angry outbursts.
• Thoughts of death.
• Unexplained pains e.g. headaches/stomach-aches.
• May withdraw from some people, may socialize less, and may hang out with a different crowd.
• May take drugs, alcohol abuse, smoking or other reckless behaviours.
• May want to run away from home, etc.
• Adolescent depression can also be linked to other mental health difficulties such as: eating disorders or self-harm

Parents must seek professional help: Depression is very treatable. Parents can ask their doctor to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist as the psychiatrist is best to decide what treatment is required. Depending on individual cases and severity, treatment could comprise of medication and therapy or just therapy alone.

How can parents support their teen through treatment?

Once it is diagnosed and the treatment has begun, parents can continue to offer their unconditional support, and make their teen feel that they are there to listen and that he/she is valued, accepted and respected.

Parents can be patient, understanding and follow treatment team’s advice. They can encourage their teen to indulge in physical and social activity. They can keep an eye on compliance to medication. They can read up on depression or ask the treatment team any questions that they may have. They can watch out for any signs of suicidal deation or self-harm behaviour. (Like good bye notes, notes to mention giving away their belongings, notes saying I do not care if I live or die etc.)

Dealing with their child going through depression can take its toll on parents so it is vital to look after their own health and their functioning. They need to remember their other children too if any as those children are also seeing this and may be affected by prevalent anxieties. Parents can talk about what’s going on and share their feelings to lessen anxiety.

This article cannot be used as a diagnostic tool, neither alternative to seek professional help nor substitute therapy. It is meant to be an informative piece for parents to read and gain knowledge of the subject.

If you are concerned that your teenager may be experiencing depression, consider booking an appointment with a professional counselor like Ms. Fariha Khan at Health Call Clinic DHCC. She can provide the tools and guidance needed to support your teen’s mental health and well-being.