Khaberni - Depression in teenagers is often undiagnosed, partly due to the difficulty in distinguishing between normal mood swings and actual mental health issues. However, parents should not face this challenge alone. Mental health is a fundamental pillar for the well-being of the adolescent, and parental involvement in their daily life, along with the regular check-ups conducted by a pediatrician, help keep communication channels open and ensure necessary support at the right time.
Experts confirm that depression is treatable, and there is no reason for any parents to go through this experience alone.
In this regard, psychologist Dr. Susan Alberz and pediatrician Dr. Veronica Isaac share on the "Cleveland Clinic” website the most prominent signs that may indicate a teenager's depression and how to deal with them and get appropriate help.
Signs of Depression in Teenagers
It is natural for teenagers to go through periods of mood swings during adolescence, and these episodes are often temporary. However, the continuation or increase of these changes may be an indicator of a deeper disorder.
Although teenagers may sometimes appear mature and act like adults, the frontal lobe cortex, the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, does not fully complete its function until the twenties. Added to this are the rapid hormonal changes and psychological and social challenges that accompany this stage, making them more susceptible to severe mood swings or depression.
But if you notice the following signs of depression, it is helpful to seek medical follow-up:
1 - Changes in emotions: Observe their intensity, how long they last, and whether they are connected to a specific situation.
2 - Changes in behavior: When teenagers are depressed, their behavior often changes in line with their mood swings.
Dr. Alberz says they may suffer from the following: Delay in thinking, speaking or movement (psychomotor retardation), difficulty in expressing emotions (superficial affect), dysfunction in executive functions, poor memory and concentration, insomnia and impulse control problems, and discipline issues. And if your teenage child's behavior becomes aggressive, consult a doctor.
3 - Changes in sleep or appetite: It is important to ensure that there isn’t an underlying health problem causing these changes.
4 - Physical complaints that can be caused by depression include symptoms such as: headache, joint or body pain, stomach issues.
5 - If your teenage child is facing problems in several aspects of their life, such as their school duties, extracurricular activities, and friendships, this may indicate a problem. Dr. Alberz recommends talking to your child about everything from their extracurricular activities to their favorite music. And remember: you are there to listen, not to judge.
6 - Self-esteem and confidence issues: Issues with self-esteem and confidence can also cause depression, and feeling worthless might also push your adolescent to avoid people and activities they previously enjoyed.
7 - Negative self-talk: If you notice that your teenager criticizes or blames themselves or speaks negatively about themselves regularly, it might be time to assess their condition.
Dr. Veronica Isaac emphasizes the importance of monitoring teenagers' use of social media. She explains: “While social media can be a positive tool for creativity and connecting with friends or family, we also know that it can contribute to negative behaviors like bullying, body shaming, and negative self-talk.”
8 - Self-harm behaviors: Such as hair-pulling or skin-scratching, among others. In these cases, you should consult a pediatrician.
