Everything You Need to Know About Teen Depression Major depressive disorder, usually referred to as depression, can have a tremendous impact on your teen’s well-being. When a teenager is experiencing depression, completing ordinary tasks such as going to school, developing healthy relationships, and even just getting up in the morning can be incredibly difficult. One of the reasons many parents are hesitant to get their teens the help they need is that many parents, often drawing experiences from when they were younger, assume that all teens are naturally “moody”, “anti-social”, angsty, or avoidant of most tasks. While it is true that teens tend to experience angst and moodiness to a certain degree, there are quite a few things that make depression quite different from typical teen sadness. Depression is a state of low mood that lasts for multiple weeks on end. When left unaddressed, depression can result in a wide range of negative consequences, up to—and including—suicide. In order to determine whether your teen is currently experiencing depression, the first thing you will need to do is meet with a physician who is qualified to issue a formal diagnosis. Even if your teen is not experiencing clinical depression, they may be experiencing a related condition, such as bipolar disorder, various personality disorders, PTSD, or something else. Because these conditions can call for different types of treatment, getting a proper diagnosis will be very important. In this article, we will discuss the most crucial things for parents to know about teen depression. By taking the time to better understand what this common and debilitating condition involves, you can play a critical role in helping your teen and connecting them to the resources they need.
Teen Depression Statistics While the prevalence of depression in teens—both in the United States and elsewhere around the world—can be difficult to quantify, growing amounts of research have helped us develop a better understanding of teen depression. ● About 4 to 7 percent of teens meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of depression ● When surveyed, about 20 percent of teens claimed they feel depressed—while this rate is much higher than clinical diagnoses would suggest, this may also mean the criteria for MDD needs to be revised ● 20 percent of teens experience at least diagnosable mental condition ● Suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals age 10-24 ● About 2 in 3 teenagers experiencing depression do not receive any form of treatment
● Teenagers identifying as transgender are about three times as likely to experience depression Collectively, these statistics suggest that teen depression is much more common than many parents initially assume. In addition to inadequate access to proper care, stigmatization is also one of the reasons teens with depression are typically underserved.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Teens If you are a parent, it is very unlikely (though not unheard of) that your teen will approach you and say, “I am depressed.” Many teens suffering from depression will experience a combination of shame, embarrassment, confusion, and hopelessness. Rather than expecting your teen to initiate the conversation, it will be up to you to monitor for signs and symptoms. ● Consistently low mood; periods of sadness lasting for two weeks or longer ● Lack of motivation, loss of interest in things that your teen once found interesting ● Guilt, crying, and sadness with no clear reason ● Irrationally negative worldview ● Extreme sensitivity, fear of failure, constant need for reassurance ● Consistently talking about death and dying ● Overlap with other mental health conditions Depression, like many mental health conditions, exists along a spectrum. Your teen may show only some signs of depression and these signs may come and go over time.
What Causes Teen Depression? Depression is a condition that has many different possible causes. A recent study from Stanford Medicine recognizes that about 40 to 50 percent of depression is caused by genetics, meaning that if you or other family members have experienced depression, your teen is more likely to experience depression as well. However, it is also important to note that depression isn’t necessarily “inherited.” Depression can be caused by myriad environmental factors as well. Exposure to trauma, the loss of a family member or close friends, and other negative life events can potentially cause a teen to develop depression. Social media usage, substance abuse, and obsessive consumption of media (such as 24-hour news) have also been proven to be strongly correlated with depression. Various other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic health problems, and PTSD can also cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms.
Recognizing the Need for Help One of the challenges of being a parent is knowing when it is the right time to intervene and discuss difficult issues (such as mental health) with your teen. While you don’t want to be overbearing, allowing a serious issue such as depression to remain unaddressed can often cause things to worsen over time. Generally, you should talk to your teen about depression if the symptoms mentioned above persist for two weeks or more. When talking to your teen about depression, it is important to emphasize that you love them, you care about them, and you are simply trying to do all you can to help them live their best life.
The Best Treatments for Teen Depression Currently, there are many different ways that depression can be treated. Following a diagnosis, your teen’s physician or psychiatrist may recommend prescription medication. They also will likely recommend some form of therapy, including individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and electroconvulsive therapy. For individuals who are at risk of suicide or have been experiencing severe instances of depression, residential depression treatment centers (RTC) will likely be the most appropriate option. Beyond these clinical treatments, behavioral changes can be incredibly beneficial as well. Exercising, eating healthier, drinking more water, and getting better sleep have all been proven to help both teens and adults who are experiencing depression. Furthermore, interacting with others, developing hobbies or sustained interests, and limiting time spent on screens will also be very beneficial.
Conclusion - Depression Among Teens When compared to most other mental conditions, teen depression is fairly common. If you believe your teen is suffering from depression, be sure to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a licensed physician. Whether they recommend medication, residential therapy, or anything in between, understanding the onset of this condition will be the first step in the right direction.