Teenage Depression: The Ultimate Guide

As parents, it can be extremely difficult to understand what your teenager is feeling and going through as it can be challenging to get them to communicate with you. Sometimes you can find yourself assuming that your teenager is isolating or being lazy because they’re being a ‘typical teenager’, however there could also be a deeper problem. Teenage depression is an issue that should be taken seriously, and it can display itself in many ways. Teenage depression may not always present itself in the same way that adult depression does, and it can cause functional, emotional, and physical problems for your teenager which then affects how your teenager thinks, feels, and behaves.

You can expect that your teenager will experience issues such as academic expectations, body image, peer pressure and as a result have those times where they are feeling down in the dumps. However, when the depressive feelings are persistent and your teenager has lost interest in most activities, it is time to act. Teenage depression isn’t something that is just a phase or will just pass, the consequences can be serious, and it is necessary to seek treatment. Thankfully, teenage depression can be treated through the use of counseling and medication if necessary.

Symptoms of Teenage Depression

The DSM-5 requires that for an individual to be suffering from a major depressive disorder, they must be experiencing 5 or more of the symptoms listed below most, if not all, of the day for a minimum of two weeks and that these symptoms be affecting multiple areas of the teenager’s life, such as school and social life.

The symptoms include:

• Depressed Mood

A depressed mood consists of the feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. For teenagers, it is common to come across as irritable. 

• Loss of Interest

Your teenager may have lost interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and they don’t feel like doing anything that would have been enjoyable. 

• Change in appetite or weight 

This can display itself through either gaining or losing a significant amount of weight

• Conflict with family and friends

They may be fighting more with you or even just completely distancing themselves.

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Appearing more restless or slowed down – this is also known as motor agitation or hypoactivation

• Feeling tired or having no energy

No matter how rested your teenager is they always feel tired and fatigued.

• Self-Critical thoughts and feelings of worthlessness and guilt

• Struggle to concentrate or make decisions 

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Low self-esteem

This is common in teenagers in the age of social media but if this is a persistent feeling combined with other symptoms, it can be a serious issue. 

• Trouble concentrating and making decisions

• Feeling like they constantly need to be reassured and extremely sensitive to rejection or failure 

Warning Signs

There are certain things to look out for when evaluating your teenager’s behavior. For example, if you notice that your teenager has suddenly started indulging in alcohol and drugs, then it could be because they are trying to combat the feelings of depression. It is important to observe your teenager thoroughly and take note of certain actions and behaviors that are related to teenage depression. These warning signs may include:

• Your teenager has more frequent anger outbursts and has started acting out a lot more than usual.

• Your teenager has started to isolate themselves from family and friends and much rather prefer being alone in their room

• Your teenager cares less about their appearance and personal hygiene than previously.

• Your teenager’s academic performance is slipping, and they are partaking in disruptive behavior or even skipping school

• Your teenager has either started eating too much or too little

• Your teenager is self-harming

• Your teenager has attempted suicide or has made a plan.

Causes of Teenage Depression 

• Hormone levels

A teenager’s hormone levels are drastically changing and a rapid change in the balance of hormones can trigger depression.

• Chemical imbalances

Your teenager may have a chemical imbalance in which their brain does not produce enough of certain chemicals which then can alter the function of neurotransmitters and nerve receptors leading to depression.

• Social issues

Middle school and high school can be difficult times for teenagers as they grapple with tough social situations in which they may be rejected by peers or bullied and teased. These difficult social circumstances can lead to depression.

• Lack of perspective/Emotion control

Teenagers can have raging emotions and a lack of perspective on life that they need in order to control them. 

• Genetics

Your teenager is 2-4 more likely to develop depression if there is a family history of depression as depression can be hereditary.

• Childhood trauma

Traumatic events such as losing a parent, emotional or physical abuse during early years may lead to changes that can make someone more susceptible to developing depression.

• Guilt

Sometimes teenagers feel remorse for their decisions it makes them feel guilty that they are not the person that they want to be, and their choices make them feel regret which can then lead to depression.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors in a teenager’s life that can make them more at risk for developing depression.  These can include the following:

• Your teenager has been a victim of a violent or traumatic event such as physical or sexual abuse

• Your teenager has previously engaged in alcohol or drug abuse

• Your teenager has self-esteem issues that stem from problems such as bullying, obesity, peer problems or academic struggles

• Your teenager has a chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer or obesity.

• Your teenager has a family history of depression

• Your teenager has other mental disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, anorexia, or a personality disorder

• Your teenager has ADHD or a learning disorder

• Your teenager has come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and has not received support

• Your teenager is naturally self-critical or pessimistic in general

• Your teenager has a dysfunctional family 

• Your teenager has recently lost somebody who was important to them or has experienced a recent stressful life event

How to overcome teenage depression

The best way to overcome depression is to put together a super team to help your teenager fight depression. This includes a mental health therapist, psychiatrist, general doctor, and friends & family.

A therapist can help your teenager to open up about issues that are bothering them and work with them to develop strategies and plans to overcome those issues and hurdles. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that can diagnose mental illnesses and figure out the best method of treatment and prescribe medication if needed. A General doctor can examine your teenager to see if any other medical conditions may be causing the depressive symptoms.

Your teenager being surrounded by family and friends that love and care for them is a very important factor is helping them to recover as loneliness and isolation only exacerbate depressive symptoms.

Other methods to help your teenager overcome depression include:

• Wellness Recovery Action Plan
• Practicing Mindfulness
• Doing things they previously enjoyed
• Good Nutrition
• Exercise

For more in depth information about these methods, please visit our ultimate guide to depression.

Facts and Resources

Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, so it’s important to understand that you are not alone and there are many routes for help out there. However, if you feel like your teenager has displayed worrying behavior and has expressed suicidality, then please call the helplines below. 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline – 18002738255

SAMHSA Helpline – 18006624357

^[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616

^[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health-providers/art-20045530

^[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610