Depression in Teens: Here’s How to Recognize it

By Caitlin Bootsma
Consultant to the VIRTUS® Programs

 

From the National Institute of Health, we know that depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Depression can certainly affect teenagers. As caring adults, it's important that we recognize whether teens might be suffering from it.

Perhaps the most crucial distinction to remember is that depression is not the same thing as sadness. While someone who is clinically depressed could be sad, there are many other symptoms that can indicate depression.

Here's a few signs that a teen in your life could be depressed:

  • Loss of interest in things, people or activities that used to make them happy
  • Overeating or undereating
  • Impaired decision making 
  • Lack of energy
  • Trouble sleeping, including insomnia
  • Marked sadness, anxiousness, hopelessness or pessimism
  • Physical issues, such as headaches or cramps, that don't go away when they are treated

If you recognize the signs of depression in a teenager, one of the most important things you can do is remind them that they have people who care about them and support them. Listen to them and give them a safe space to share the way they are feeling. In addition, you may choose to raise your concerns with their parents in the event that the teen needs some medical support. 

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