Teenagers and Depression: What Parents Need to Know
by Sue Blaney

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Do you know that depression in teenagers doesn't always look like depression in adults? If not, you better read on.

Depression can be confusing. Parents of teenagers can find it particularly challenging to understand their teen's behavior, and to determine if something is wrong, particularly with so many changes happening during adolescence anyway. Give your intuition some credit here; despite what might be confusing changes, you really do know your teenager better than anyone else. Your gut instinct matters. But you need to be knowledgeable, too.

There is a difference between depression as a feeling of sadness, and Depression that is depressive illness. We'll share some facts and basic information here, along with places where you can get additional information.

First of all, why does it matter? All kids must face and address sadness and challenges as a part of growing up. Right?

It's not that simple, actually.

Teenagers have certain developmental tasks that they must work through during adolescence: they must establish their independence, learn and perform in school, develop a mature sexual identity, create new friendships and loving relationships, and prepare for long term plans including getting a job. Suffering from Depressive disorder can negatively impact any or all of these essential developmental tasks. Additionally, teens suffering from depressive disorder are more vulnerable to alcohol or drug abuse and other destructive behaviors such as self-injury and eating disorders. In its worst case, depression can lead to suicide, making this a potentially fatal illness.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Typically, depression will affect one or more of these areas, according to Dr. Karen L. Swartz of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine:

mood,
sense of vitality and
attitude about one's self.

Although adults associate a depressed, or sad mood with depression, it doesn't always appear this way in teenagers, and this is essential for parents to understand. In teenagers, depressive disorder can appear as irritability or anger.

When depressed in the clinical sense, one is unable to feel joy. This can lead to a diminished interest in participating in activities in which one previously found pleasure. For teens, a new disinterest in spending time with friends, participating in sports or others previously-enjoyed activities can be a red flag.

The change in vitality may appear as changes in energy level, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns and weight gain or loss. Experimentation with drugs or alcohol often accompanies this change in vitality, and kids who find that this usage changes how they feel may develop a habit for this destructive behavior. Depression may also manifest in self-injury or eating disorders; data shows that many times eating disorders are accompanied by an underlying mood disorder. Depressed teens often have difficulty concentrating, which makes poor performance in school a possible sign of depression.

Lastly, an attitude change about one's self during a depressive episode can appear as lack of confidence, and loss of self-esteem; more indicators for which parents need to be on the lookout.

Symptoms of Teenage Depression*:

Depressed or irritable mood
Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
Change in appetite or weight
Sleeping more or less than usual
Feeling restless or slowed down
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Decreased concentration
Sense of hopelessness
Substance abuse
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Not all of these symptoms necessarily occur, and it is possible for anyone to have some of these symptoms without having a clinical depression. But it's hard to tell without professional input. Professionals will look for a clustering of symptoms.

The way for a parent to make an initial determination is to compare your teen's current behavior to his past behavior and examine three elements: duration, intensity, and frequency of the problematic behaviors. A general rule of thumb is to get help if the new behavior has been going on for two weeks.

If you have concerns about your child being depressed, don't wait. Get help. You can begin by speaking to your teen's guidance counselor at school, physician, or you can get a referral from a friend who has had a similar experience. Do not fall prey to outdated social mores that may make you feel afraid to talk about it. You owe your child more than that.

Here are some additional sources of information:

Massachusetts General Hospital:

National Mental Health Association:

Families for Depression Awareness

Teens health – Answers and Advice

Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Parents, The Anti-Drug

* Swartz, Karen, M.D.; Recognizing Teenage Depression; The Prevention Researcher, Vol 8, Number 4, 2001.

copyright 2005, Sue Blaney

Strengthening Parental Involvement in Middle and High Schools