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.
Withdrawn Behavior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.
4 Warning Signs of a Depressed Teen
28 thoughts on “4 Warning Signs of a Depressed Teen ”
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!;)
She is lucky to have such a mindful parent. Your daughter sounds as if she has a great head on her shoulders.
A brilliant post, extremely important with some really useful information that could really help when a teen may be depressed xx
Melanie, thank you very much.
Thank you for bringing more awareness to this very difficult subject.
You are very welcome, Alexis.
Change in mood and behaviour is the most worrisome of them all, to me! I always have my eyes and ears peeled to them!
It is very important to do just that. When we listen and watch, we learn.
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.
You have come out on the other side and are sharing your knowledge with others.
Great information about depression signs. I’ll take note of this. It’s really needed during this challenging time.
It has been an extremely challenging time.
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.
Training would be of much service to many. These things are extremely important to be aware of.
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.
Drug use is definitely a leading cause of depression but other causes are definitely not to be ignored.
These are spot on. I’ve seen them all (except for drugs) time and time again in someone I’m close to.
Heather, I am sorry that this is the case. They are lucky to have you for support.
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!
Thank you, Dominique. These traits should definitely not be ignored.
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.
It can be quite difficult to process difficult emotions. We need to offer as many resources as possible. Most importantly, our living support.
As a parent, having depressed teens is one of my fears. Thanks for listing these warning signs, it pays to be well-informed in the end.
Being informed and aware can make all of the difference.
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.
As well, the quick influx of info or edited pictures and lives wherein people show all the rainbows and none of the rain.
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.
With all that is available to today’s teens they have many wonderful opportunities but also much to be weary of.