Teenage depression is not about just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is an important problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing – even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide.

Why do adolescents get depression?

There are multiple causes why a teenager might become more depressed. For example teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School routine, social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels. Occasionally, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family – or things that the teen usually enjoys – don’t help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there’s a good chance that he or she has teen depression.

Here are the major signs of depression in adolescents:

1. Hopelessness

Teens may feel that life is not worth living or worth the effort to even maintain their appearance or hygiene. They may believe that a negative situation will never change and be pessimistic about their future.

2. Low interest in activities or incapacity to enjoy previously favorite activities

Teens may become apathetic and failure of clubs, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed. Not much seems fun anymore to the depressed teen.

3. Persistent boredom; low energy. Lack of motivation and lowered energy level is reflected by missed classes or not going to school. A drop in grade averages can be equated with loss of concentration and slowed thinking.

4. Social isolation, poor communication. There is a lack of connection with friends and family. Teens may avoid family gatherings and events. Teens who used to spend a lot of time with friends may now spend most of their time alone and without interests. Teens may not share their feelings with others, believing that they are alone in the world and no one is listening to them or even cares about them.

5. Low self esteem and guilt. Teens may assume blame for negative events or circumstances. They may feel like a failure and have negative views about their competence and self-worth. They feel as if they are not “good enough.”

6. Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure. Believing that they are unworthy, depressed teens become even more depressed with every supposed rejection or perceived lack of success.

7. Increased irritability, anger, or hostility. Depressed teens are often irritable, taking out most of their anger on their family. They may attack others by being critical, sarcastic, or abusive. They may feel they must reject their family before their family rejects them.

8. Difficulty with relationships. Teens may suddenly have no interest in maintaining friendships. They’ll stop calling and visiting their friends.

9.Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches and stomachaches.

Teens may complain about lightheadedness or dizziness, being nauseated, and back pain. Other common complaints include headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, and menstrual problems.

10. Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school. Children and teens who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the child may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that the behavior problem is a sign of depression.

11. Poor concentration. Teens may have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, following a conversation, or even watching television.

12. A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns. Sleep disturbance may show up as all-night television watching, difficulty in getting up for school, or sleeping during the day. Loss of appetite may become anorexia or bulimia. Eating too much may result in weight gain and obesity.

13. Talk of or efforts to run away from home . Running away is usually a cry for help. This may be the first time the parents realize that their child has a problem and needs help.

14. Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior.

Teens who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed children and teens are at increased risk for committing suicide. If a child or teen says, “I want to kill myself,” or “I’m going to commit suicide,” always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than “putting thoughts in the child’s head,” such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems.

15. Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Depressed teens may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better.

16. Self-Injury.Teens that have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, emotional pain, and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting.

How is teen depression treated?

There are a variety of methods used to treat depression, including medications and psychotherapy. Family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is contributing to a teen’s depression. The teen will also need support from family or teachers to help with any school or peer problems. Occasionally, hospitalization in a psychiatric unit may be required for teenagers with severe depression. Your mental health care provider will determine the best course of treatment for your teen.