[instagram-feed user="askdrho"]

4 Warning Signs of a Depressed Teen 

Disclaimer: Elise Ho, aka “Dr. Ho” is a Holistic Health & Life Coach. Dr. Ho is NOT a medical doctor, licensed therapist, lawyer, or a bevy of other things. Products or services that Dr. Ho believes in are the only ones that she recommends. Dr. Ho may receive compensation, product, or an affiliate commission on anything you see on this site. This is a personal Website solely reflecting Dr. Ho’s personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of any organization with which I may be affiliated.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

Depressed Teen and 4 Warning Signs You Should Watch Out For

 

Teenage hood usually comes with a lot of expectations and demands. First, there is the desire to get noticed and stand out in your friends or school groups. It is why most teens will go out of their way to get the social recognition that they so desire. 

While some teens will succeed, some will not make the intended impact, and it affects their resolve, social life, and some even become depressed. The feeling of rejection usually rings louder in teens, hence the parents’ need for support and encouragement. 

Proper guidance and a good relationship with your teen will most likely solve the solution. However, you will find that some teens will take it to heart. In turn, they will withdraw themselves and become even suicidal in the worst-case scenario. 

Here are some of the warning signs you should watch out for in your depressed teen.

 

Depressed Teen and 4 Warning Signs

Withdrawn Behavior

 

Most teens are usually enterprising, each in their way. A depressed teen will reduce their social interactions and interact with specific individuals in their friendship cycle. Unlike adults, teens will maintain some of their relationships to have a let-out or a listening ear. 

Mostly, these relationships will depend on how they relate to them. Offering a listening ear to your child is the best gift you can give them during this period. Ensure you give them their space and assure them that you are there for them if they need you. 

Drug Use

 

Teens will often try to mask their depression through alcohol and drug use. While some teens may take it to the point of addiction, others will use it as an escape and reason for their behavior. Drug use will often cause behavioral changes in your teen. It would help if you kept a close eye on which drugs your teen takes. Inquire on their reasons for the usage. 

It will help you understand how you can help them. Seek friendly counselors from the American Addiction Centers that will help you handle the situation. It may be an emotional task for you and your family, but it is essential to safeguard your teen’s well-being. Motivate your child: it is a time that you should be a friend and a parent to them. 

Negativity

 

Depressed teens will usually have negative thoughts that sometimes go as far as suicidal thoughts. Be keen on the types of talk that your child has. Try to counter their positivity by giving them words of motivation and assurance. Build their confidence by having the entire family join in affirming their love and joy in having them. 

Change in Mood and Behavior

 

Most depressed teens are usually irritable and angry. They will try to take out their anger on anything, thus being rowdy and unmanageable. With such cases, it is essential to involve the school management and work out a plan to provide the necessary support both at home and in school. However, ensure that you do not end up condoning bad behavior. 

Depression usually starts with low self-esteem. It is a dark place that takes time and healing for your child to have a happy and cheerful mood. Early identification of these signs will go a long way in dealing with the problem before it is too late. 

Depressed Teen and 4 Warning Signs

4 Warning Signs of a Depressed Teen

Please use the comment section below to share your tips, questions, and/or thoughts about this post.

CLICK HERE to subscribe and never miss a thing.

Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho
Ph.D., D.N. Psych.
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest boards.

28 thoughts on “4 Warning Signs of a Depressed Teen ”

  1. I’ve been very mindful about this. I have a 15yo and since she turned 10 I am very very observant of her behavior. Thank God that she’s the strong kind and not really be easily depressed when things upsets her.

    Thank you for sharing this article.. Worth the read and wil share!;)

  2. Melanie williams

    A brilliant post, extremely important with some really useful information that could really help when a teen may be depressed xx

  3. Having been that depressed teen, I couldn’t agree with this more. It’s important to remember that mood swings are normal in teenagers, but drastic changes and dips in mood are not.

  4. We have never been trained for these things in the classroom. Once you know your students they do become apparent, but I think training would be ideal to offer. You want to make sure you catch kids early so they can get the help they need if it’s needed.

  5. My son is entering his teenage soon and I keep these important points in my head. Needless to say, drug use is the leading cause of depression.

  6. These are very concerning traits/behaviors to see in a teen. You definitely need to address them if they are present. Outside help may be necessary. Good post!

  7. This is a very important topic that every parent should know and be aware of. Teenagers sometimes have difficulty processing emotions so we, as parents, should be vigilant to spot these signs.

  8. Depression can be a real issue during the teen years. All of their emotions are heightened, and we live in a society where judgments are heavier than they’ve ever been.

  9. Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s so important to watch out for signs of depression when you have teens. It’s a hard life to be a teen these days.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

share on

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

About The Author

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho is a Holistic Health & Life Coach with a special interest in emotional health, life alignment, and energy flow.

Elise will partner with you to align your mindset, your energy, your home and your career so that you can live your life's desire with freedom and love.

Elise offers 30 years of experience and multiple certifications and degrees including a Ph.D. in Natural Health and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Psychology.