Beyond Moodiness | 5 Signs Your Teenager Is Dealing With Depression

From a child's age of about 12 to 20, parents will get a front-row seat to personality changes and mood swings that can leave even the most flexible parent with whiplash. Teenagers can be extremely touchy, and as a parent it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose when there is really something concerning going on. It is estimated that 20 percent of teenagers will experience some form of depression. As a parent of a teen, it is your job to recognize signs that your teenager may be dealing with this issue and is need of depression treatment.

1. Changes in Sleeping Patterns - Teens who are suffering from depression will often have a hard time sleeping. You may not catch on that they are sleeping less, but you may notice their grades slipping or them seeming a lot less alert during the day. Some teens with depression will want to sleep more than usual and may even seek over-the-counter sleep aids to help them stay asleep for longer periods of time.

2. Social Withdrawal - If your previous social butterfly withdraws from friends and family members, there may be something more going on than just teenage hormones and mood swings. Look for signs that your child is avoiding social situations, such as skipping school functions or activities they enjoyed before with the people they know.

3. Sudden Changes In Appetite - A change in appetite brought on by depression can swing in either direction. Your teen may start to eat a lot more or even show evidence of binge eating, or you may notice that your child has no interest in food at all. Look for sudden changes in weight loss or gain and talk openly with your teen about what is bringing about the change.

4. Loss of Interest In Future Goals - A teenager who is need of depression treatment may exhibit signs that their future goals are no longer important. They may avoid trying to nurture meaningful relationships with a significant other or push aside making plans for college or a career.

5. Drug or Alcohol Abuse - Teens who are struggling severely with depression will seek a lot of outlets to make themselves feel better about what is going on inside. This can easily include drug or alcohol abuse.

If you suspect that your teen is depressed, it is crucial to keep the lines of communication open as much as possible between you and your child. Seeking depression treatment from a facility, such as Dr Kuris Counseling Centers, is often the only way to pull your teen back from the edge of a hopeless mindset.

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