Signs and symptoms of depression in teens

Dealing with depression can be really exhausting, especially when it comes to teens, because teen depression may differ from adults. During the growing years of adolescence, the brain is in the developing phase, so it can lead to several hormonal and chemical changes in the body that can trigger depression.

Teen depression can go unrecognized and, if not taken seriously, can lead to several serious issues later in life. A study revealed that untreated depression in teens can increase the chances of cardiovascular disease later in life. It is really important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in teens earlier so that it does not turn into a worse situation in the future.

This blog will help you to explore more about signs of depression in teens and resources for help.

Emotional signs

Depression can make it harder to express emotions, and it can imbalance the chemical of the brain, which results in different emotional numbness or emotional turmoil. When it comes to emotional signs in depression, they can differ in everyone, which is why it is important to recognize them.

Here are some emotional symptoms that may come up in teens suffering from depression.

1. Short temper or irritability

   while some teens may have a short temper, in depression teens may appear more angry over small things and matters, which can result in conflicts in family, with parents, or with loved ones.

2. Hopelessness

   It is one of the common symptoms people suffer from depression in which people lose hope and have this empty feeling inside they struggle to see their future and positive things in their lives.

3. Sadness

   Feeling of sadness may appear in teens, feeling of sadness all the time can lead them to cry without any reason.

4. Emotional numbness

   Depression can make things go numb. Activities or things a teen used to find pleasurable and enjoyable may not be pleasurable anymore. It can be hard sometimes to feel emotions in depression because the brain can go numb.

5. Guilt over past failures

   Feelings like worthlessness and regret may appear in teens over past failure, and they can be extreme. If a teen starts talking too much negative about themselves and has so much guilt, you may hear them say things like, "It's my fault", "I am the problem", and "all the things that go wrong because of me".

6. Issue in concentrating

   Depression can make it harder to concentrate on things and make decisions, which can result in making wrong decisions and getting into trouble.

Physical symptoms

1. Low energy or tiredness

   Depression can create a feeling of fatigue all the time and a feeling of low energy, which can make doing small things like getting out of bed or taking a shower hard. Teens may start spending all day in their rooms and avoid getting out.

2. Working too much

    On the other hand, a teen can start doing too much work and start avoiding people or loved ones, trying social withdrawal, and using work as a distraction to avoid social interaction.

3. Changes in sleep pattern

   having issues sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (oversleeping). Having a bad sleeping pattern like waking up whole night and sleeping whole day.

4. Changes in weight

   there is significant weight loss or weight gain because of bad eating habits or skipping meals without a reason.

5. Physical pains

   having unexpected physical pains like headaches, stomachaches, and back pain in the body without knowing any particular reason.

Behavioural changes

1. Isolation

   social withdrawal from loved ones and staying in a room for most of the time, avoiding social interaction.

2. Grades

   sudden decline in academic performance and school attendance. Skipping classes and being late in classes

3. Risky behaviours

   Indulging in substance abuse like alcohol and drugs. Indulging in self harm activities and trying to hurt themselves.

Causes

1. Brain chemistry

   changes the brain chemicals, often known as neurotransmitters. Decreasing in the neurotransmitter levels like dopamine can lead to depression.

2. Hormones

   The teenage years are very crucial in an individual's life. There are lots of hormone changes in the body, and these changes can sometimes lead to depression. That is why, after puberty. Females have higher rates of depression compared to males.

3. Trauma

   some bad memories like sexual abuse, violence in family, physical abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, etc.—can lead to depression.

4. Negative thinking

   Negative self-beliefs, negative thought patterns, and low self esteem can trigger depression in teens, especially if they grew up in an unsupportive environment.

5. Tragic events

   Sudden tragic life event like the loss of a loved one or the suicide of a loved one in family can also lead to depression. 

Treatment for depression in teens

The Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC) recommend the following key steps when treating teen depression:

1. Comprehensive Training for Clinicians

   Primary care (PC) practitioners should undergo specialized training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy of depression.

2. Establishing Community Collaborations

   Establish reliable referral networks with mental health experts, such as pediatric psychiatrists and therapists.

3. Regular screening and assessment

   Screen all adolescents aged 12 and older annually using validated tools like the PHQ-9. and monitor teens with risk factors (e.g., family history, previous depressive episodes) more closely using systematic tools.

4. Individualized Treatment Plans

   Engage in collaboration with the adolescent and their family to establish individualized therapy objectives that target aspects such as household, educational environment, and social interactions with peers.

5. Safety Planning for Suicidality

   Eliminate access to deadly weapons, establish emergency contacts, and develop a well-defined follow-up strategy.

6. Psychoeducation and Family Involvement

   Inform families about depression, its symptoms, and management strategies to foster a supportive environment. Encourage family participation in treatment while respecting the teen’s need for privacy and confidentiality.

7. Collaborative Care Models

   Integrate behavioral health services within primary care settings to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

8. Utilizing Technology and Support Systems

   Deploy electronic medical records (EMRs) and patient registries to monitor and evaluate treatment plans and their corresponding results.

9. Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up

   Consistently evaluate and modify treatment plans according to the teenager's advancement and evolving requirements.
   

Conclusion

Depression in teens is a complicated and major problem impacted by hormonal changes, academic pressure, and trauma events. Early intervention depends on an awareness of symptoms like behavioral changes, irritation, and ongoing melancholy. Good treatment calls for regular screening, tailored care plans, specific training for healthcare professionals, and strong community support. Technology and involving families can improve therapy results even further. Early identification and effective management help teenagers have better, more fulfilled lives free from long-term effects. Parents, teachers, and doctors must work together to assist teenagers experiencing depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a mental health professional for help and look the resources above.

Resources for depression

Getting treatment is absolutely vital if you or someone you know are depressed. These reliable sites in the United States and Canada offer support, knowledge, and help:

United States

1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

   • Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

   • Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

   • Description: Offers free and confidential support 24/7 for anyone in distress, including teens experiencing suicidal thoughts.

2. The Trevor Project

   • Phone: 1-866-488-7386

   • Website: thetrevorproject.org

   • Description: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone, text, and chat.

3. Teen Line

   • Phone: 1-800-852-8336

   • Website: teenlineonline.org

   • Description: A confidential hotline staffed by trained teen volunteers, offering support and a listening ear to other teens in need.

Canada

1. Kids Help Phone

   • Phone: 1-800-668-6868

   • Website: kidshelpphone.ca

   • Description: Provides free, confidential support for youth via phone, text, and online chat, available 24/7.

2. Crisis Services Canada

   • Phone: 1-833-456-4566

   • Website: crisisservicescanada.ca

   • Description: Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services around the clock through phone and online chat.

3. BounceBack Canada

   • Website: bouncebackscanada.ca

   • Description: A program that provides self-help books and online tools for managing low mood and stress, suitable for teens seeking support.

References

1. Werner-Seidler, A., Perry, Y., Calear, A. L., Newby, J. M., & Christensen, H. (2017). School-based depression and anxiety prevention programs for young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 51, 30–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.005.

2. Colasanto, M., Madigan, S., & Korczak, D. J. (2020). Depression and inflammation among children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277, 940–948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.025.

3. Zuckerbrot, R. A., Cheung, A., Jensen, P. S., Stein, R. E., Laraque, D., Levitt, A., Birmaher, B., Campo, J., Clarke, G., Emslie, G., Kaufman, M., Kelleher, K. J., Kutcher, S., Malus, M., Sacks, D., Waslick, B., & Sarvet, B. (2018). Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part I. Practice Preparation, Identification, Assessment, and Initial Management. PEDIATRICS, 141(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-4081.

4. Cheung, A. H., Zuckerbrot, R. A., Jensen, P. S., Laraque, D., Stein, R. E., Levitt, A., Birmaher, B., Campo, J., Clarke, G., Emslie, G., Kaufman, M., Kelleher, K. J., Kutcher, S., Malus, M., Sacks, D., Waslick, B., & Sarvet, B. (2018). Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part II. Treatment and Ongoing Management. PEDIATRICS, 141(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-4082.