How to Better Understand Teen Depression
It is normal for all of us to go through ups and downs – teenagers included. A teen’s sad feelings can last several days and during this time they may have trouble eating, sleeping, concentrating well, or feeling motivated. But keep in mind that teen depression is more than simply feeling sad or experiencing moodiness. It is a significant mental health condition that deserves attention. Differences between everyday sadness and teen depression. Telling the difference between when your teen is simply feeling down in the dumps and when they are experiencing depression can be difficult. Parents are advised to start with these questions: Regarding time. For how long have the emotions and changes to behavior lasted? If your child is displaying sadness or behavior that resembles them when they are overly tired and irritable for more than 14 days, then it may be depression. Regarding intensity. How strong are these emotions, and are they present all the time, or do they come and go? Regarding impact. Is your teen’s schoolwork, friendships, enjoyment of life, level of participation in routine activities, or physical health being affected by these emotions? It is important to know that if depression is not treated in your teen can have long-term consequences. If you are worried about your child, then know it is important for you to look for the signs of depression. As with many things, the earlier a professional can intervene the more your child will benefit. Be encouraged to know that teen depression is often treated successfully. Teens are good at recognizing how new skills can help them manage problems and actively managing the signs of depression make it far less likely that it will come back. Signs to look out for. It may be that teen depression is difficult to positively [...]
