Depression in teens can be difficult to spot, as the changes they’re navigating can result in mood fluctuations and difficulties. However, depression is a serious illness that typically requires professional treatment to find relief from symptoms, so it’s important to understand the potential signs in order to get your teen the help they deserve.
If you’re concerned about your child, understanding the signs of depression and knowing when to seek therapy for children and adolescents can be the start to lifesaving care.
What to Know About Depression in Teens
Depression is more than just feeling sad or moody, and instead involves intense low mood, hopelessness, irritability, sleep issues, and problems concentrating, making it hard to function. Symptoms of depression must be present consistently for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis.
Depression is multifaceted and may have several different causes, including genetics, brain chemistry, hormones, and situational factors like trauma or bullying.
Which Teens Are at Risk for Depression?
Any teen can develop depression, but certain situations can make it more likely to occur, such as a family history of mental illness, having another medical or mental health condition, or experiencing childhood trauma or bullying.
Factors that increase the likelihood of teen depression include:1
- Having another mental health concern, including anxiety, ADHD, an eating disorder, or substance misuse
- The presence of a medical condition like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease
- A family history of depression or other mental health concerns
- Trauma in childhood
- Low self-esteem or poor coping skills
- Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially if their families aren’t supportive
Signs of Depression in Teens
Depression in teens can look different than in adults, which may make it more difficult to spot. Teens might become irritable, withdrawn, or suddenly lose interest in things they once loved. Many of these symptoms are a normal part of development, as teens are dealing with hormonal changes, social challenges, and other life transitions.
However, recognizing any patterns and persistent behaviors that last beyond a few problematic days is essential, and if you suspect a mental health concern, it’s important to consult with a professional.
Common signs of depression in teens include:
- Persistent irritability or sadness: Low mood or grouchiness that doesn’t seem to go away or fluctuate
- Withdrawal: Spending more time alone than they used to, not wanting to interact with friends or family
- Academic difficulty: Decline in performance or waning interest in school
- Changes in sleep: Some teens may spend much more time sleeping, while others may complain of lack of ability to go to sleep or stay asleep
- Change in appetite: Either eating more or less than they used to, accompanied by weight fluctuation
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to complete tasks like homework, or having trouble making decisions
- Expressions of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm: Excessive guilt, worthlessness, or thoughts related to self-harm or suicide
If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
If some of these behaviors resonate, it might be time to seek guidance. Depression isn’t a phase to just “wait out.” It’s a medical condition that often requires professional intervention.
Treatment for Teen Depression
Treatment for depression in teens typically starts with talk therapy and may also include medication if deemed appropriate by a psychiatric provider.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
Talking with a trained therapist can help teens build emotional awareness, manage their stress and anxiety, and tackle any underlying causes of the depression. Plus, simply having access to another safe adult to process all the difficult changes in their life can make a huge difference in how they feel.
Medication & Alternative Treatments for Teen Depression
If deemed necessary, a teen’s depression treatment plan may also include medication. Since brain chemistry can be a factor in depression, working with a psychiatric provider to find appropriate medication can make a huge difference in symptoms. For teens with hard-to-treat depression, other options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be added to the care plan.
What to Expect from Teen Depression Therapy at NEHS
Therapy can be a safe space for teens to process their emotions, understand their challenges, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for the future. At Northeast Health Services, we provide personalized care tailored to your child’s needs.
Treatment starts with an initial assessment to understand your teen’s experiences, symptoms, and concerns, helping create an individualized plan to help them cope with their depression symptoms. Teens have the privacy they need during sessions, while therapists also work with parents to set shared goals and offer guidance. Sessions use proven techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness to support emotional well-being.
The mental health experts at Northeast Health Services work collaboratively to provide the best support possible for all of our clients. If your teen could also benefit from medication, their therapist and psychiatric provider will work together to track symptoms and ensure that symptoms are improving.
Connect with Northeast Health Services for Teen Depression Treatment
If you suspect your teen might be depressed, seeking help early can make a huge difference in helping them feel better faster. At Northeast Health Services, we’re here to provide guidance, support, and the right resources to help your teen thrive.
If you’re ready to get help, you can call 508.794.8711 to learn more, or schedule your first appointment. For existing clients, please find your office location and contact them directly.
Footnote:
- Medline Plus. “Teen Depression.” https://medlineplus.gov/teendepression.html