Teens are at a crucial stage of development, navigating everything from social pressures and academic challenges to figuring out who they are. It’s natural to experience ups and downs during this time. However, sometimes these emotional shifts can become more persistent and intense, leading to depression. As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the criteria for depression in teens so you can identify it early and get your teen the support they need. 

Recognizing the signs of a teen’s depression

Depression doesn’t always look the same in every teen. While some may experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness, others may show changes in behavior or physical well-being. Signs and symptoms of depression can include some or all of the following:

• Feeling sad, down or irritable most of the day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Increased tearfulness or crying spells
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing at school
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Increased fatigue or lack of energy
• Engaging in risky or self-harming behaviors
• Talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves
• Giving away prized possessions, as if saying goodbye
• Making suicidal threats or plans

These are some of the key symptoms that can signal depression. Your teen may show some or all of the symptoms. If they are showing any of these signs for at least two weeks or are causing significant distress and impairment in their daily life, it’s essential to seek help. 

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can be related to other issues teens face, like stress or hormonal changes during puberty. However, if you notice several of these signs persisting, it’s essential to reach out to a health care professional for a proper evaluation. 

What may be causing depression in your teen?

There’s no single cause for depression. It’s often a combination of factors that can contribute, for example:

• Biological factors — Brain chemistry, genetics and even hormones can play a role in depression. If a family member has depression, a teen may be more at risk.
• Psychological factors — Negative thinking patterns, low self-esteem and difficulty coping with stress can make teens more vulnerable to depression. 
• Social factors — Experiencing bullying, peer pressure, social isolation or academic stress can take a toll on a teen’s mental well-being. 
• Life events — Traumatic experiences like the loss of a loved one, family conflict or a major life change can trigger depression. 

Why seeking help is essential

Depression in teens is a serious issue, but it is treatable. If you suspect your teen may be struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Here’s why early intervention is crucial:

• Improved quality of life — With treatment, depression symptoms can be effectively managed, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life for your teen.
• Reduced risk of long-term issues — Untreated depression can lead to substance use, academic problems and even suicide. Early intervention can help prevent these complications.
• Developing coping skills — Your teen will learn healthy strategies for managing emotions, handling stress and building resilience.
• Stronger support system — Therapy can equip you and your teen with communication tools and resources to navigate challenges together. 

Treatment options to help teens fight back against depression

If your teen has been diagnosed with depression, there are effective treatment options available to help them feel better and regain control of their lives. Some of the most common and successful approaches include:

• Therapy — Therapy can help your teen learn skills to manage emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve problem-solving abilities. They can also learn to improve their communication skills, build stronger relationships with friends and family, and resolve interpersonal conflicts that may be contributing to their depression.
• Medication — Medication may be recommended alongside therapy to help manage depression symptoms more effectively. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for teen depression. These medications can work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals that play a role in mood regulation. The FDA recommends careful monitoring for teens on antidepressants. In rare cases, antidepressants can raise a teen’s risk for suicidality.
• Lifestyle changes — Healthy lifestyle habits can significantly improve a teen’s overall well-being and support their recovery from depression. Some key areas to focus on include:
• Regular exercise — Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help ease depression symptoms.
• Healthy diet — Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein provides essential nutrients that help support brain function and overall health. 
• Quality sleep — Adequate sleep is essential for emotional regulation.
• Stress management techniques — Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help teens manage stress and improve their coping skills. 
• Support groups — Connecting with others who understand the challenges of depression can be beneficial for teens. Support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences, gain encouragement and learn from others who are on a similar journey.

Lightfully Teen can be here for your teen every step of the way

At Lightfully Teen, we understand the unique challenges teens face when dealing with depression. Our licensed clinical therapists can provide different levels of care with our Teen programs. We are dedicated to providing your teen with the whole-person-centered care and support they need to overcome depression and live a happy, fulfilling life. 

Change is possible. When they’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.