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Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Though parents may think they know everything about their kids, they often miss symptoms of depression in teens — and this can lead to disaster.

By Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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Back when I was a 7th grader, I had transferred schools. Of my (extremely small) group of friends from my old school, there were a couple of girls I used to talk to. One we'll call Jessie, the other we'll call Callie.

Like them, they were really not reacting well to the constant bullying we faced. Me, well, my parents realized that the school wasn't meshing with me — and that's why they sent me to private school for a year. Callie and Jessie, though, they weren't so lucky.

Callie's mom had found Callie mid-suicide attempt, and she was institutionalized as a result when she was 12. After that, I haven't heard much from her again. Jessie's mother wasn't as lucky. She found Jessie after the fact at 14, if I remember correctly.

Callie and Jessie weren't the only ones in the trio to struggle with depression. I struggled with depression most of my life thanks to a hormone disorder that went unchecked for years.

The truth is that many, many kids end up in similar situations — all because so many parents don't recognize the symptoms of depression in teens, or just don't care enough to talk to them about it.

Depression is not "teenage angst," and speaking as someone who has lost a lot of friends to suicide, I urge parents to watch out for these signs before it's too late.

Their grades are suffering.

Grades are not only a reflection of intelligence; they're a reflection of how much effort your child is willing to put into their work. One of the most overlooked signs of depression in teens is a sudden freefall in their academic performance.

I learned that people who are depressed don't want to bother with school the months before I decided to quit college. When I was at my worst depression in my school years, I was barely passing any class I was in. This is a far, far cry from my old standard of being a 3.90 GPA freshman.

If you notice that your teenager is really not into their work, it may be because they're depressed — and because they don't see the point in working anymore.

Your teen has been getting into fights, or has shown uncontrollable outbursts of rage.

Depression doesn't always mean sulking. Many teens will show their depression in the form of aggression and anger. (Thus, the term, "teen angst.") Agitated behavior is one of the most commonly misinterpreted symptoms of depression in teens.

If your teen regularly gets suspended for fighting, shouting, or making threats, then it's very likely that they are depressed and need help rather than punishment.

Most teens who get aggressive or try to purposefully upset or annoy others do so because they are depressed, feel alone, and want to feel big. It's their way of feeling in control.

Some teens might also "make" an enemy to get angry at. For example, depressed teenage boys may start to get misogynistic and blame girls for their depression. This gives them an enemy that they can channel rage at — even if they don't realize that's what they're doing.

It's also worth noting that this can also include sexual aggression in certain cases. This type of aggression most commonly happens when a teenager was sexually abused and is struggling with depression as a result of the trauma.

You notice a stark change in their habits, and they aren't always for the better.

The best way to spot symptoms of depression in teens is to look for changes. You, as a parent, should probably know when they are happy or at least content with their lives. You also know what their habits are on a day-to-day basis.

Here are some of the biggest warning signs to watch out for:

  • If you notice them eating a lot more than normal, or eating a lot less than normal, then there's a chance that their depression has been causing an eating disorder. No one ever picked up this symptom with me, and no one ever talked to me about it. Not when I was overeating, nor when I was starving myself. At my lowest weight, I was 5'9 and too small for a size 00. I wore kids' clothing because adult clothing was too baggy.
  • If your teen is constantly sleeping, or not sleeping enough, it could be depression. Sleep disturbances are some of the most overlooked symptoms of depression in teens and young adult.
  • If you notice that your teenager stops talking to anyone, get very worried. Sudden withdrawal from others, or refusing to talk to anyone is a serious sign of depression and is often linked to suicidal behavior. This is particularly true when your child has been acting depressed for a while, then suddenly becomes happy.
  • If you notice cut marks, burn marks or bruises on your teenager, you need to get them counseling immediately. This is a suicidal gesture, and while that doesn't necessarily mean they want to kill themselves, it does mean that they're doing a cry for help. Help them, already!
  • If you notice that they are suffering from low self-esteem, talk to them about depression. If you notice that your teenager regularly talks about "how worthless" they are, they are depressed and are subtly asking for help.
  • Lastly, if you notice that they stop putting effort into their appearance, that's basically proof in the pudding. This is one of the most common symptoms of depression in teens — and it's one of the most overlooked. If your kid isn't bathing, won't change their clothing, and doesn't even maintain themselves, it's almost certain that they're depressed.

You've been noticing that your teenager has started to show signs of addiction.

Though I personally didn't use drugs or drink until I was 18, I know for a fact that drugs and alcohol are generally available for teenagers if they have the right connections. One of the more obvious signs of depression in teens is using drugs or drinking heavily.

While a little experimentation can be an experience for them, the truth is that you should be very worried if you notice that your teenager has a drug or drinking problem. This often is a sign that they are trying to cover up pain with substances — and that they need help.

You've noticed that your teenager has started to get obsessive.

Don't ask me why, but obsession and depression tend to go with one another. My friends and I each had an obsession or two that we delved into — and all of them had a dark theme like death, self-injury, or similar things.

If you notice that your teenager seems really obsessed with death and is showing other signs on this list, talk to them. Or, better yet, listen.

Please don't overlook symptoms of depression in teens that live in your house.

Depression can kill, and kids as young as 12 have been known to commit suicide because of it. Do not overlook warning signs or dismiss them as "normal." Listen to your teenager, and talk to them. It could save their life.

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About the Creator

Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer based out of New Jersey. This is her work account. She loves gifts and tips, so if you like something, tip her!

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