Teen depression is often a gateway towards other problem behaviors in teenagers, even more worryingly though, it can lead to serious issues like self-injury, deeper depression as an adult, and in extreme cases there is even a risk of suicide. Let’s take a look at some of the most common risks resulting from teenage depression.
- Academic issues arising from drops in motivation or inabilities to focus and concentrate.
- Low self-esteem.
- Poor decision making and reckless behavior.
- Potential violence as teens seek a natural outlet for their depression.
- Social and family withdrawal. Potential for unhealthy addictions.
- Experimentation and eventual addiction to substances or alcohol.
In addition to the effects of teenage depression, this condition can be characterized by a few more specific traits displayed by depressed teens. Understanding these indicators is essential for adults to recognize potential teen depression, and start getting the help that they need for their child.
- The teen is displaying outward thoughts of hopelessness or sadness.
- There is excessive anger, irritability, or hostility.
- The teen has a focus on death or talks of death and suicide.
- A teenager may display constant signs of fatigue as well as a lack of motivation.
- An uncharacteristic drop in interest for activities that were previously enjoyed.
- Teens affected by depression may show emotional instability such as regular bouts of crying.
What Parents Can Do When They Suspect Their Teenager Is Depressed
Whenever a parent suspects that their teen is suffering from depression, the situation should be approached delicately. Parents should be soft, yet confident in their approach. The best way to diagnose depression is with a physician or a psychiatrist. School counselors and other family counselors may also be able to diagnose depression.
Above everything, parents should let their teens know that they are worried about their behavior and their health. An emphasis should be made that parents only want to assist a teenager to deal with their problems, and get back on a positive path towards improving their life.
Treating Depression
Depression is always treatable, and when identified early it’s much easier to rehabilitate teens. Pinnacle Schools offers alternative programs for troubled teens. Among other issues, a key area of focus is helping teenagers to deal with and overcome depression. The proven Elk River Treatment Program (elkrivertreatment.com) places an emphasis on physical activity, team work, and individual as well as group therapy to address issues with teens, including depression.
If you’re a parent of a teenager suffering from depression, no matter what treatment route you decide to take, make sure your teen is on board with you. This way it will be easier to ensure that you are taking the safest, most positive steps to get your teen out of a potentially life threatening state of mind.
