Depression is a problem many kids face that can disguise itself as normal “mood swings” due to puberty or teenage development. Therefore, it is often ignored until something more serious happens, like a suicide attempt, self injury, or a serious risk-taking behavior that gets the kid in to trouble. If you think your kid is depressed, do not ignore your observations. There are actions you can make and steps you can take that will help them overcome depression. If it turns out it was normal behavior, you have shown you cared enough to check it out.
Depression isn’t just about being very sad; it is an illness that affects nearly every part of life. This is especially true in teens where the illness of clinical depression is often masked by irritability, acting out, drug use, and anger. About one in
twenty teens suffers from depression at any given time. Sometimes depression is an inherited condition. Sometimes it grows out of trauma or other seriously negative events, and often is prompted by a combination of both factors. If left untreated, teen depression may lead to failure at school, running away, addictive difficulties, social/emotional withdrawal, and suicide. It is important for parents to know the signs and symptoms, and take immediate steps to treat the depression.
Depression is a problem many kids face that often disguises itself as normal “mood swings” due to puberty or teenage development. Therefore, it is often ignored until something more serious happens, like a suicide attempt, self-injury, or a serious risk-taking behavior that gets the kid in trouble. If you think your kid is depressed, do not ignore your observations. There are things you can do and steps you can take that will help them overcome depression. If it turns out it was normal behavior, you have shown you cared enough to check it out.
What choices did the speaker make that they can or cannot relate to, what did they learn?
Talk to your spouse, agree on your family’s position, and share that with your kid. Make that position very clear and always remain consistent, don’t waiver.
It is recommended that when signs of depression occur suddenly or in combination with each other, it may need to be evaluated more seriously by a professional.
If you suspect your kid may be struggling with depression symptoms, let them know you are concerned in an honest, caring way.
There is no single known cause of depression. Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well.
Depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally, and your kid may need medication to assist.
Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
Let your kid know you are there to provide support and listen when they are ready. Don't pressure them to talk, but ensure that they know they can always go to you to discuss how they may be feeling.
Talk to your doctor about your kid’s behavior; make an appointment for your kid to see their doctor as well. There could be a physical reason for them to be showing some of the symptoms of depression. Check your family medical history. Look for patterns of depression and share what you find with your kid.
Ask your kid about their thoughts and feelings regarding their behavior and note how it compares to signs of depression. Let them know that you are concerned and are there to help.
List the warning signs and behaviors that you have noticed and ask for a recommendation or a consultation meeting with your kid.
Make it a point to be diligent in helping them locate the professional resources they need for assistance. Be sure to protect their confidentiality while seeking professional help.
Such as family history of mood disorders, substance abuse, history of child abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional), family history of suicide attempts or completions, history of previous suicide attempts, a diagnosis of ADHD, current relationship problems (especially family or significant other), having access to weapons or prescription medicine.
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notMYkid is not a counseling or treatment agency. We are here to offer support, information and options. Destructive youth behaviors do not discriminate and have impacted many lives. A number of resources are available, and will assist you in finding the help necessary to make informed and empowered choices.
602-248-TEEN (8336)
or 1-800-248-TEEN (8336)
800-273-8255
800-784-2433
800-621-4000
602-263-8856
(800-352-3792 within
area codes 520 and 928)
602-222-9444
Across Arizona
1-800-631-1314
Download our:
Depression/Self-Injury Suicide Family Prevention Plan Depression BrochureTalking With Kids Brochure Bipolar Depression Brochure
NPR: Less Sleep, More Time Online Raise Risk for Teen Depression
Huffington Post: Teen Boys' Body Image Linked With Depression, Steroid Use, Study Finds
HealthDay: Dark Side of Chat Rooms for Troubled Teens - Talk of Self-Harm
Salt Lake Tribune: BYU Study - Twitter May Warn of Suicide Risk
St. Albert Leader (Canada): Self-Injury on the Rise, Says Psychologist
New Zealand Herald: Surge in Teen Self-Harm Blights Positive Survey
Alexandria Echo Press (Minnesota): Teen Suicide - Too Big of a Problem to Ignore
ABC Action News: Social Media, Movie Stars May be Driving Teens to Cutting
New York Daily News: Ignoring Warning Signs and Attempts at Adolescent Suicide Could be Dangerous
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