Depression In Teens
Symptoms of depression often include:
- Sadness, or a low mood that does not go away
- Being irritable or grumpy all the time
- Not being interested in things they used to enjoy
- Feeling tired and exhausted a lot of the time
- Have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual
- Not be able to concentrate
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Having difficulty with decision making
- loss of confidence
- Eat less than usual or overeat
- Unable to relax or be more lethargic than usual
- Feeling worthless
- Feeling empty or unable to feel emotions (numb)
- Having thoughts about suicide or self-harming (its really important to ask them if they have had any thoughts of suicide, this will not put the idea of suicide in their head. If they are feeling suicidal talking about it and asking the question directly may just be the help they need to feel its ok to tell you and help them to reach out for help.
Sometimes children have feelings of anxiety as well as depression. Some also have physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches.
Problems at school can be a sign of depression in children and young people and so can problem behavior. Talk to their head teacher and talk through your concerns.
Older children who are depressed maybe turning to misuse of drugs or alcohol.
What increases the chances of depression in young people.
Things that increase the risk of depression include:
- Family difficulties
- Bullying
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
- A family history of depression or other mental health problems
Sometimes depression can be triggered by a difficult event, such as parents divorce, loss of a grandparent or even a pet, it can also be a mixture of things happening over a period of time.
If you think your child or someone you know is depressed, it's important to talk to them and see if you can find out what's troubling them and how they're feeling.
If your child does not want to talk to you, let them know that you're worried about them and that you're there if they would like to talk.
Encourage them to maybe talk to someone they trust, maybe a brother or sister, cousin, a friend or someone at school.
You could also contact their school to ask if the staff have any concerns.
When to get medical help from your GP or Health Services
If you're concerned about their mental health or general wellbeing, make an appointment with them to see a GP.
If necessary, the GP can refer your child to a local children and young people's mental health service (CYPMHS) for specialist help.
CYPMHS is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health or wellbeing.
You may also refer to them without seeing a GP.
Depression can affect anyone including children and young people.
Difficult emotions can be hard to understand and like adults, young people can try to hide them and hope they will go away. They may find it hard to understand why they are feeling sad and low all of the time. They maybe afraid that no one will understand. However, there are some tell tale signs that can indicate they maybe struggling.