4 minute read
Recognizing Depression and Anxiety in Teens
Approximately 1 in 5 teens suffer from Depression and 1 in 3 from Anxiety.
Teenagers are at an especially high risk of developing anxiety and depression due to biological and environmental changes occurring during the teenage years. Biologically, teens experience significant hormonal changes as they mature into their adult bodies and these hormonal changes can lead to mood swings. Environmentally, teenagers face the challenges of unstable/unpredictable peer relationships, peer pressures, conflicts with parents as they try to exert independence, pressures of academic success and the realization they need to make some big decisions about the future including education, careers and learning how to support themselves. Fears of failure and struggles between independence and dependency as well as learning how to maneuver relationships and making healthy choices are key factors. While the stigma of mental illness is diminishing, it still has a significant impact on teens’ willingness to talk about their feelings, to seek help and to accept help once it is offered. It is imperative to remember that mental illness is just like any other illness that a body may develop. It results from a combination of biological and environmental factors. It is not a sign of weakness nor is it something that you can “talk yourself out of” any more than you could talk yourself out of an illness like diabetes.
Symptoms of depression can include feeling sad often, having crying spells often without provocation, feeling hopeless, helpless or guilty without cause. Other symptoms include loss of interest in activities, social isolation, low energy/ motivation and in severe cases thoughts of death or suicide.
Symptoms of anxiety can include nausea, lightheadedness, “knot in stomach,” racing thoughts, rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath and a “flight or fight” sensation. Additionally, anxiety can present as a general sense of feeling overwhelmed all the time, even with simple tasks. Some teens experience a feeling of impending doom, an inability to make decisions due to fear of making the wrong one or avoidance of stressful situations. Loss of concentration, poor memory and
irritability are often seen as well. Depression and anxiety can also share symptoms, such as changes in appetite (increased or decreased) and changes in sleep habits. If symptoms of anxiety and depression start to interfere with your teen’s normal functioning or if you have concerns for their safety, it may be time for treatment. If safety becomes a concern or your
teen starts to have thoughts of harming themselves, please call 911, Tower Behavioral Health at 888-905-0809, Berks County Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Emergency Services hotline at 877-236-4600 or Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865) right away.
When dealing with anxiety and depression it is best to have open, honest and non-judgmental discussions with your teen about the challenges they are encountering. Listening is the most important way you can help. Reassure your child that you want to be there to help them maneuver these challenges. If you notice changes in your child’s personality or behaviors, talk to them about what you are observing and ask them how they are doing. When they respond, give them your full attention and look for subtle comments they might make about themselves or their friends. With compassion, proper support and treatment, teens can navigate and recover from bouts of depression or anxiety. The strategies they learn to manage the normal stresses of growing into adulthood can serve to support strong mental health all their lives.
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By Daisy Shirk, DO, DFAPA, DFAACAP Director, Psychiatry Residency Program and Division Chief, Child and Adolescent Services, Psychiatry at Reading Hospital – Tower Health
If you are looking for resources for Anxiety and Depression for Teens in Berks County please consider:
• Scheduling an appointment with your child’s primary care
physician/pediatrician
• Tower Behavioral Health (TBH) offers
Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric
Care for adolescents who have been struggling with mental health concerns and related behaviors. They can receive personalized inpatient care through the Inspiration Unit at TBH. This specialized unit offers age-appropriate programming for adolescents ages 14-17. The unit offers therapeutic Services, Educational
Support, and Continuing Care.
A member of the Tower Behavioral
Health team is available 24/7 at 484-659-2330. Outpatient services and appointments are available in-person and virtually. • Reading Hospital Behavioral Health offers a variety of outpatient counseling services just for kids, including evaluation and assessment, individualized treatment planning, therapy and counseling, recreational therapy, and psychiatric medicine.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berks County is composed of dedicated volunteers, members and leaders who work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones.
• ruOK? Berks offers immediate assistance, call 1-877-236-4600 or 610-236-0530 or
Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865).
