It’s no secret that growing up isn’t easy. For children and teenagers, changes in life come fast, and it can be hard to accept the evolution of one’s self when these changes happen virtually overnight. Studies have shown that 1 in 5 teens struggle with depression and have experienced at least one depressive episode annually. With depression being so common in adolescents, it’s important to know the key indicators of this concern so your child can receive the help they need as soon as possible. Below are a few signs your teen may be struggling with depression.
Change in Eating Habits
Depression can cause you to neglect your needs in many forms. This can manifest in eating habit changes for many teenagers. Sometimes, teenagers can feel far too depressed to get themselves to eat enough, as simple tasks can feel overwhelming and difficult when dealing with depression. On the other hand, these eating habits may manifest as an excess. Eating can release the feel-good hormone dopamine, which essentially sends signals to the brain that eating is rewarding. To combat feelings of depression, teens can become dependent on a dopamine surge, resorting to excessive eating to fend off those negative feelings. Be sure to monitor your child’s eating habits and ensure they are receiving proper nutrition throughout the day.
Stops Engaging in Favorite Activities
Your teen used to love going to sports practices and games, but now it feels as if you have to drag them to the court or field. A lot of the time, parents may attribute this behavior to teens simply changing their interests. However, this could be one of the biggest indicators of depression. Often, when a teen is depressed, they do not have the energy to take part in their daily activities, including the ones they used to love attending to. A central symptom of depression is anhedonia, which can cause your teen to feel numb toward pleasurable, enjoyable things. If you notice your child is skipping out on practices, recitals, and creative time, check in with them about how they feel. Even if they don’t feel comfortable revealing much about their emotional state, a brief conversation often lends much insight into how they’re feeling about the things they once loved.
Poor Grades
Your child was once a star student, receiving A’s and B’s in all of their classes. This past semester, you’ve noticed their grades plummeting, their report card sprinkled with D’s and a glaring F. Your immediate reaction may be to meet this lack of performance with consequence, but before you limit screen time or restrict hangouts, consider these poor grades as a sign of your child’s mental health. With depression, folks can be less motivated to succeed and feel far less optimistic about their academic pursuits.
Unusual Aggression
Lately, your teen has been far more irritable, both inside and outside of the home. In fact, they’ve gotten into a few scuffles in the neighborhood that have come to your attention. When you ask them to attend to their chores, you’re met with anger and frustration. This is a critical sign of depression in teens that can be often ascribed to “puberty” or growing pains. If your teen has been increasingly agitated and engaging in more aggressive behavior, it may be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional to schedule a counseling appointment.
Schedule An Appointment With Cristeta Rillera
If your child is exhibiting signs of depression, therapy can be a useful tool for addressing their mental health concerns and getting them on the path to wellness. Crsteta Rillera is here for you and your teen. Reach out today by calling (530) 302-6097 to schedule your teen’s first therapy appointment
