Teen Depression
Depression can be situational or due to a chemical imbalance. Sometimes it’s a combination. Your teen is more likely to experience depression if it runs in your family. It can be consuming and debilitating, but it can also be treated.
If your child says they’re feeling suicidal, take it seriously and get help immediately. However, it’s important to take notice before it’s a crisis. Listen for clues like “It doesn’t matter,” “Why bother?” “They don’t care about me anyways,” “It’s never going to get better.”
Signs that your teen might be depressed:
Depression is difficult to detect in teens since many have insomnia due to stress or excessive cell phone use. Also, depression and anxiety have similar symptoms like feeling fatigued, irritable, or have difficulty concentrating. Because the source of a teen’s symptoms isn’t always clear, it’s important to get a professional evaluation to know what your teen needs.
When teens are depressed, they isolate and don’t enjoy activities they used to be interested in. Identifying and expressing feelings is difficult, especially if they’re so sad or disconnected that they feel numb. Some teens turn to cutting to feel something or to externalize the pain.
Our fast-paced, competitive culture contributes to teen depression. Because of the pressure and expectations, they believe they can’t ever be good enough. They compare themselves and come up short, so they learn to look good to be accepted, while suffering on the inside. Then they withdraw because they feel inadequate, which increases depression.
Therapy is a safe place for teens to share their feelings and change their perceptions without being judged. More than anything, teens want to belong and feel accepted. With the right support, they learn to challenge negative thoughts, set limits and choose healthier friends, which leads to self-acceptance.
Listen to your teen, get into their world and try to understand why they’re struggling. If you approach them with care and curiosity, they’re more likely to open up. If they resist therapy, they may feel embarrassed or not have hope that things can get better. Your encouragement and belief in their ability to grow will make a difference in their ability to receive help.
If your child says they’re feeling suicidal, take it seriously and get help immediately. However, it’s important to take notice before it’s a crisis. Listen for clues like “It doesn’t matter,” “Why bother?” “They don’t care about me anyways,” “It’s never going to get better.”
Signs that your teen might be depressed:
- poor appetite or overeating
- insomnia or sleeping too much
- low energy and lack of motivation
- low self-esteem
- feeling hopeless
- substance abuse
Depression is difficult to detect in teens since many have insomnia due to stress or excessive cell phone use. Also, depression and anxiety have similar symptoms like feeling fatigued, irritable, or have difficulty concentrating. Because the source of a teen’s symptoms isn’t always clear, it’s important to get a professional evaluation to know what your teen needs.
When teens are depressed, they isolate and don’t enjoy activities they used to be interested in. Identifying and expressing feelings is difficult, especially if they’re so sad or disconnected that they feel numb. Some teens turn to cutting to feel something or to externalize the pain.
Our fast-paced, competitive culture contributes to teen depression. Because of the pressure and expectations, they believe they can’t ever be good enough. They compare themselves and come up short, so they learn to look good to be accepted, while suffering on the inside. Then they withdraw because they feel inadequate, which increases depression.
Therapy is a safe place for teens to share their feelings and change their perceptions without being judged. More than anything, teens want to belong and feel accepted. With the right support, they learn to challenge negative thoughts, set limits and choose healthier friends, which leads to self-acceptance.
Listen to your teen, get into their world and try to understand why they’re struggling. If you approach them with care and curiosity, they’re more likely to open up. If they resist therapy, they may feel embarrassed or not have hope that things can get better. Your encouragement and belief in their ability to grow will make a difference in their ability to receive help.
Call for a free consultation: (415) 360-5445
Teen Solutions Therapy
Marin County
Teen Solutions Therapy
Marin County
