Learn the Signs of Teenage Depression To Ensure Early Intervention

Depression is more than just a once in a while bad mood, or a gloomy day a few times a month. Depression can be a serious factor in the life of anyone, but particularly a teen. Depression among teenagers is on the rise and can impact every part of their life and the lives of others.

When teen depression goes untreated, it can lead to attempts of homicide or suicide and can be a very serious debilitating condition. These are tragedies however that can be prevented when there is early intervention. Signs of teen depression sometimes go overlooked as simply a teen with hormonal or attitude issues and the depression itself goes unnoticed.

Fortunately, once a teen is diagnosed, there are many new types of treatment options for teen depression. They offer a vast improvement in the overall outlook and mood of the teenager. This is good news as the teens are often concerned about the stigma of having a mental illness.

In many cases, they will not report to a counselor, to a parent, or even a friend the feelings that they are having. Because of this, it's imperative that, as concerned friends, counselors, teachers, parents, or even extended family, that we notice changes. Taking a closer look at the teenagers, noting problems, and talking about them with the teen is imperative.

Conversation is going to be the first big step toward helping the teenager in your life to get over their depression. Signs of teen depression are quite often apparent to us if we know what we're looking for.
Teenagers have so much going on, with so many challenges and changes going on in their world. Most teens are resilient and able to cope with their minor setbacks quite readily. A bad mood, a bout of rebellion, a bit of sass is what we expect from them.

Depression is something entirely different from these things. Teen depression can destroy the very sense of self that teenagers are working so hard to build. It can cause feelings of anxiety, all pervading sadness, total self-guilt and despair, even rage or anger. So, take some time to review the signs of teenage depression so you can recognize it early and get the teen the help they may need.

Signs of teen depression may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Feeling restless
  


• Inability to concentrate
  


• Hostility or rage
  


• Gradual withdrawal from friends and family
  


• Losing enthusiasm
  


• Self doubt or guilt
  


• Constant bouts with crying
  


• Difficulty sleeping
  


• Eating too much or too little
  


• Suicidal discussion or thoughts

These symptoms or signs of teenage depression are what teen depression --"looks like". They will give you cues as to whether a teen is depressed. If these symptoms are present for a long period of time, versus intermittent from time to time, then it is likely depression and it would be wise to seek a professional diagnosis.

The key is to open communications with the teen. Talk to them and find out what they are feeling and if necessary, act on it. Getting help for someone may make them angry at first, but the alternatives are much worse. The signs of teen depression are warning signs for the rest of us that it is time to seek help for the person we care about.