We all feel depressed occasionally, but usually, these feelings go away soon enough, leaving us in a happier mood. But for some people, depression can be ongoing, lasting for weeks or even months. When this occurs, the person is best off reaching out for help.
Depression can happen to people of any age, including teens. When teens get depressed, it’s unfortunate. After all, no one that young should have to be dealing with so much pain. Fortunately, help is available.
This article will answer the question, what does depression look like in teens, so you can determine if your child needs assistance.
What is Depression?
Depression is characterized by long periods of sadness and withdrawal from the things you love. To be considered clinically depressed, you must experience symptoms for at least two weeks. Here’s what depression can look like:
- Feeling of sadness
- A lack of interest in the things you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep habits
- Loss of energy
- Slowed movement or speech
- Restlessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
What Causes Depression?
There are several factors that can contribute to being depressed. These are as follows:
- Biochemistry: Depression can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
- Genetics: If you have a close relative who is depressed, you will be more likely to be depressed as well.
- Personality: People with low self-esteem and those who are pessimistic or easily overcome by stress are more likely to be depressed.
- Environment: Individuals who were raised or live in an environment where they are exposed to neglect or poverty are more vulnerable to depression.
How is Depression in Teens Different?
Depression in teens can differ from depression in adults. Here is an idea of what depression looks like in teens.
- Irritability: While adults who deal with depression may be sad, teens tend to be irritable. They may be disrespectful to others and have less patience than usual.
- Declining Grades: In some cases, a depressed teen may let their schoolwork go and end up with poor grades. However, this is not always the case.
- Sensitivity to Criticism: It’s not unusual for teens to be sensitive to criticism, but some may take it to an extreme. A depressed teen may react by staying away from activities where they think they may be criticized. Others may become overachievers and aspire to perfectionism, thinking it will reduce the risk of being criticized.
- Social Withdrawal: Depressed teenagers will withdraw socially but typically not to as much of an extent as a depressed adult would. Instead of withdrawing entirely, they may change peer groups, or they may become active on the internet instead of being social in the outside world.
Depression and Addiction in Teens
It’s not unusual for people who are depressed to turn to drugs and alcohol. They may not want to admit they have a problem. In other instances, they may not feel their problem is that bad or may not have the time and money to deal with it.
Instead of getting help for their symptoms, they suppress their feelings with drugs and alcohol. This takes them on a downward spiral as they will now have even more issues to deal with.
Addiction can be especially dangerous in teens. They are at an age when peer pressure can make them experiment with drugs, and if they find they temporarily relieve feelings of depression, a habit can form.
Fortunately, there are rehab facilities targeted explicitly to help teens. Adolescent Wellness Academy is one you can turn to.
Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida
At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, toward recovery from mental health challenges.
Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
- Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
- After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, their peers, and our team.
Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.
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Brandsmen
