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How To Notice Teenage Depression

One of the major serious behavioral problems among teenagers today is depression. It is imperative that parents recognize when a pre-teen or teenage child is depressed, because early intervention treatment is more effective. Teenagers that suffer with depression and it goes untreated can be risk of suicide. If your teenager has been depressed for at least 6 months you should treat them as if you see a physical disease. What causes teenage depression? Depression can be found to run in families, like bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that people that have bipolar disorder do in fact have a different genetic makeup than those that do not get this illness. But, everyone that has this genetic makeup does not get the illness. There are other factors that may help with the onset of this type of depression like stresses brought on at work, home, or school. Major depression also seems to happen to people that have had family members in their past with this disorder. It can also happen to anyone whether it is in their family line or not. This type of depression usually happens because of a change in brain structure or function. Teenage depression is a serious medical problem and you need to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms. All teenagers go through bouts of being angry, belligerent, irritable, and even at times hostile. But, this are usually isolated events. When this type of behavior last for at least 6 months this is an indication that there is a more serious problem just under the surface. And if these signs are not addressed can lead to more complicated emotionally and physical problems. The common signs of teenage depression are: * Your teenager feels low or blue most of the time. * Your teenager becomes irritable, especially when pushed to be more active * Weight loss or weight gain * Insomnia or sleeplessness, or the need for more sleep * Low energy, lacking the desire to do anything * Your teenager says things that show their low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness * Suicidal thoughts, ideation, or threats – sometimes will even mention a plan of action * Lower grades in school * Decreased activities, interactions with peers, or sudden change in friends * Your teenager seems confused when trying to make decisions * Low frustration level * Frequent bouts of crying, * Your teenager has no interest in their usual activities If your teenager says certain tell-tale things that indicate teenage depression, and stays in this mood for more than six months, it is time to seek professional help. Some of the statements that you might hear your child repeat in cases of teenage depression are: I wish I were dead I can't do anything right. I am worthless I don’t care. It doesn’t matter anyway. If your teenager seems stuck in this type of behavior he/she could have teenage depression. You will need the help of a professional to help your teenager with this type of depression. Children with teenage depression often do not have the motivation or energy to talk to anyone about how they feel and they do not understand they could have a problem .Most do not even believe they have a problem. So, it is very important that friends and family help. The best way to help someone with teenage depression is to support them by talking them into seeking professional help. Let them know that you are there for them. Offer to take them to the doctor and if they want you to go back to visit the doctor with them at least in the beginning sessions, if the doctor thinks this is okay. Get them out and back in the swing of life. Sitting alone in your room does not help with the feelings of loneliness and unworthiness often associated with teenage depression. Be there for them and let them know that there is treatment for teenage depression.