How to Spot Teen Depression: Common Signs

As a parent, you’ve been warned about the teen years. Your sweet, little, innocent child grew up and turned into a teenager. They can be moody, disrespectful, and sometimes they seem to want nothing to do with you.

You can’t blame them fully because this is part of life. You know you put your parents through the same things when you were a teen. But you’re noticing a different side of your teen that you hoped you would never have to worry about.

They seem down, sad, and irritated. While these also could be signs of them growing up and becoming more independent, you’re worried that there’s a larger issue at hand. You don’t want to just dismiss and ignore the very clear signs when something could be very wrong.

Let’s learn more about some of the common signs of depression so that you can be better equipped to spot it in your teen.

Changes in Eating Habits

Your teen may be eating you out of your house because of the hormonal changes they’re going through. But if your teen is struggling with depression, changes in eating habits and appetite can also occur. Depression affects eating habits in one of two ways. Your teen may be eating more than usual, bingeing, or overeating. Or you may notice that they’re eating less than their normal intake and that they never seem hungry anymore.

Changes in Sleeping Habits

Another common sign of depression, which can be a little more difficult to spot in teenagers, is changes in sleeping habits. There’s a high chance that your teen may be sleeping more than usual. This could be due to the sleep that’s needed for your teen’s brain to develop fully. The teenage years are prime years for this to take place. But changes in sleeping habits could also mean depression. If your teen is having a hard time falling or staying asleep, or even struggling to get out of bed or stay awake during the day, depression could be the culprit.

Trouble in School

Depression can cause changes in your teen’s academic performance, too. If your teen was once a high achiever or did well in school, and now they’re not showing the same drive, it could be a sign of depression. A lack of concentration, difficulty making decisions, trouble paying attention, and memory struggles are common signs and symptoms of depression. Poor school attendance, missed homework assignments, or a drop in grades can also be signs of depression getting in the way of their schoolwork.

Withdrawing and Isolating

Being social and engaging in shared activities and hobbies is a key component of the teen years. If your teen is starting to pull back from your family, their friend group, or even the activities that they used to partake in, the reason could be depression. Depression can make someone feel like they’re a burden to others, so they’d rather keep to themselves and be alone.

Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities that were previously enjoyed is another common sign of depression. If your teen is spending more time alone, not hanging out with their friends, or not engaging in extracurricular activities, you may want to check in with them and see what’s changed.

Next Steps

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition. If you suspect that your teen is struggling, it’s important to talk to them and encourage them to seek additional support. Depression isn’t always something that will just go away or get better on its own. Working with a mental health professional can make a world of difference in a teenager’s life. Reach out for teen therapy today to get started.