How do I know if my teenager is depressed and needs help? Is depression normal?
Will depression get better by itself? May be it’s just a phase?
Basic statistics on teen depression:
- 1 in 5 teenagers experiences depression at some point
- Girls and boys are equally affected by depression (however girls are diagnosed more frequently)
- 3.3% of teenagers ages 13 to 18 have experienced a severe depressive disorder
Symptoms of teen depression:
- Increased irritability
- More sensitive to criticism
- Complaints of headaches, stomachaches or other body problems
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Withdrawal from people like parents or some friends
- Not enjoying activities they usually like
- Feeling tired for much of the day
- Sad or blue feelings most of the time
- Decrease in school performance
- Decrease in school attendance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low self esteem
- Nervousness; moodiness</li>
- Change in sleep pattern; trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Increased risky behavior: unsafe sex, risky driving
- Trouble with the law; shoplifting
- <Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Talking about suicide or statements about better off being dead
So when should I get help for my teen? If you notice the above types of symptoms or behavior in your teenage son or daughter and they have continued for more than two weeks…it is time to take action. Contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Reference:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=88551
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000648.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1mdd_child.shtml
