Are you concerned that your teen may have depression? If your teen is dealing with the symptoms of depression, it is important to be proactive. Taking the right steps can help ensure that your teen gets the support they need. Not sure whether your child is showing signs of depression? By learning more about the behaviors commonly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD), you can get a better idea of what your teen may be experiencing.

5 signs that can indicate teen depression

• Persistent sadness — Does your teen seem unusually sad? Persistent low moods are a key sign of depression. While feeling occasional unhappiness is natural, feeling sad for most of each day may mean your teen is experiencing depression symptoms. Pay attention to your teen’s mood and how it changes over time. Teens with depression often experience sudden mood changes. In addition to sadness, your teen may also seem more angry or irritable than usual. A short temper could be connected to the emotional turmoil your teen is experiencing.

• School avoidance — It’s common for children experiencing depression to avoid school, which often leads to a decline in academic performance. One common factor is social avoidance. People with depression often pull away from family and friends. The social aspects of going to school may cause fear and anxiety in your teen. This can lead to behaviors such as regularly missing or trying to miss classes. If your child is avoiding school, it is important to understand the reasons. In many cases, the underlying causes for academic avoidance are linked to mental health.

• Difficulty concentrating — Does your teen often seem distracted or unable to focus on tasks? Depression can make it hard to concentrate and make decisions. This can have a negative impact on many aspects of your teen’s life. Trouble with concentration often connects to academic issues. If your teen is having a hard time with their coursework, they may be more reluctant to go to class. In addition to affecting your teen’s quality of life, depression can have major effects on things like their classes and extracurricular activities. The practical effects of depression are another reason why intervention can be essential.

• Sleeping problems — Depression can drastically affect a person’s sleeping patterns. Has your teen started to sleep at odd hours? The cause could be a sign of depression. That being said, depression affects people in different ways. Sometimes depression can cause a person to oversleep. In other cases, it can lead to insomnia. Your teen may also feel exhausted regardless of how much sleep they get. 

• Suicidal ideation — Suicidal ideation is when a person’s mind is occupied with thoughts of ending their life. If your teen is having suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to get professional help immediately. For immediate support, you can call or text 988, a suicide and crisis helpline. In addition to immediate crisis help, it’s important to stay informed about the ways you can help your teen in the long term. Mental health treatment programs can offer effective suicide prevention resources for teens.

How to help your teen with depression

Supporting your teen through their mental health challenges can be difficult. As you work to give your teen the guidance and support they need, here are some specific ways you can help:

• Communicate openly — When communicating with your teen, transparency is key. Being honest and open can help you build trust and strengthen your bond. When you speak openly, your teen will likely feel encouraged to be transparent as well. Let them know it’s OK to express their emotions. Try to avoid being judgmental or dismissive when your teen shares their thoughts and feelings with you. Having a supportive, empathetic parent can make a big difference in your teen’s mental state.

• Monitor changes — Mental health conditions can change over time. When you have a teen with depression, carefully observe them for changes. Noticing changes in your teen’s behavior can enable you to offer the specific kinds of support they need. This will also help when it comes to making treatment decisions. If your teen’s symptoms seem to be getting worse, it may be time to seek new kinds of care.

• Seek professional help — Depression should not go untreated. If your teen has depression and has not yet received care, it’s essential to seek professional help. Don’t hesitate to contact a mental health professional. When it comes to teen mental health, early intervention can make a crucial difference.

Embrace U offers quality treatment for teens with depression

Looking for a treatment provider that can help your teen? Embrace U offers outpatient programs designed to address depression in adolescents. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) for ages 10-18 utilizes evidence-based therapies geared toward adolescent patients. With care from our qualified, licensed professionals, your teen can make progress toward lasting mental wellness.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.