We’re kicking off a new series where we identify the warning signs of more serious mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may be occurring in a teen in your life. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.
Depression – Constant state of worry over the past, feeling stuck or living in the past.
If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” 
consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Hopelessness and pessimism (frequent episodes of crying)
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping (teenagers normal sleep habits)
- Irritability, restlessness, anger, hostility
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies (lack of enthusiasm)
- Overeating or complete lack of appetite
- Persistently sad, anxious, or empty feelings
- Thoughts of death or suicide attempts
- Physical ailments that do not ease with treatment (headaches, sore muscles, etc.)
- Isolation, withdrawal from family and friends
- Poor hygiene
If you’ve noticed the above symptoms in your teen over the last few months there may be a more serious issue going on. Please know you are not alone and help is available. Contact us today, we would love to help you and your teen through the difficult journey of adolescents.
Come back next week when we will take a look at anxiety.
