The teen years are a very trying time for most young people. Hormonal fluctuations, changing bodies, and conflicting emotions are a normal part of making the transition into adulthood. It’s also normal for teens to feel out of place occasionally, but if they are constantly feeling burdened and overwhelmed, they may be chronically depressed. Here are some of the warning signs.
Instructions
Identify Teen Depression Symptoms
1. Pay attention to your teenager’s emotions. They may have a negative outlook which can be expressed through feelings of hopelessness or sadness, frequent crying, irritability, anger or hostility, feelings of worthlessness, lack of enthusiasm, or thoughts of death. They may also experience a change in focus which can include a loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from friends and family, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Observe your teen for behavioral problems. If the depression isn’t treated, the condition can lead to substance abuse problems, trouble in school, eating disorders, reckless behavior, self injury, violence, or the teen may run away.
3. Know the warning signs of suicide. A depressed teen may contemplate taking his or her own life. You should be concerned if your teen talks or jokes about suicide, writes stories about death, gives away prized possessions, writes goodbye notes to friends and family, speaks of not being around much longer, and seems to be fascinated with death.
4. Determine if your teen is in one of the high risk groups for depression. The risk factors include having a family member who is depressed, being sexually abused, having another mental disorder, having problems with drugs or alcohol, experiencing the loss of a family member, being bullied, or not having friends.
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