Ways to Identify the Indicators and Origins of Teenage Depression

Too often, signs of teenage depression are mistaken for the typical ups and downs associated with teenage hormonal mood swings. But, what behavior is normal for the average teenager and how can it be differentiated from more serious instances of clinical depression?

If you're a parent of a teenager or a teen yourself, it's important to recognize and identify both the causes of teenage depression and the apparent symptoms. This is a treatable, but often misdiagnosed condition affecting one fifth of all teenagers throughout the United States.

Recognizing the Signs of Teenage Depression

Too often, parents dismiss the common symptoms associated with teenage depression as just typical teenage behavior. In addition, many teen suffering from this affliction will either hide their feelings or refuse to admit that there's a potential problem. They may also be averse to seeking help from family or friends.

There are numerous symptoms associated with teenage depression, and they often mimic depression symptoms in adults. These include chronic fatigue, trouble focusing on tasks, lack of concentration and irritability. As depression progresses, the teenager can become anxious and distracted as they attempt to deal with this debilitating problem. Other symptoms include crying, shouting, general complaining or lethargy.
 
Often, the depression can manifest itself in physical symptoms like chronic pain, stress headaches, fatigue or digestive problems. There are also the classic signs that include an obvious change in eating habits, an increase or decrease in body weight, change in sleeping patterns, consistently poor mood, feeling worthless, withdrawal from social activities and even thoughts or talk of suicide.

If more than four of the symptoms listed above continue for a period of two weeks, parents are advised to seek professional treatment. Of course, if the teenager threatens suicide, then treatment should be sought immediately, regardless of the presence of other symptoms.

Causes and Effects of Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is often caused by external stress-inducing circumstances. These may include a divorce in the family, an upset in the family dynamic, financial problems, sexual or physical abuse, alcohol or drug problems within the family, a death in the family or trouble dealing with a recent trauma or tragedy.

Other teenagers see depression as a result of being unable to reach particular goals, whether these are social, academic, athletics or body goals. For example, if a teenager has trouble making friends or is rejected by their peers, this can often cause depression. Or when depression runs in the family, the teenager may be genetically disposed to the condition.

The effects of teenage depression are most often seen socially and at school. Typically, a teenager exhibiting common symptoms sees their grades drop as they miss school, lose focus and abandon their drive to achieve and succeed. They may drop out of extracurricular activities and are also more prone to abuse drugs or alcohol.