Teen Boys and Depression: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

The teen years aren’t easy. You thought you were through the worst of it after you made it through the “Terrible Twos,” but nothing could’ve prepared you for the attitude, mood swings, and tantrums of a teenage boy.

You’re trying to be as supportive as you can. You know that they’re going through a lot of changes, both internally and externally. They’re navigating a new school, friends, and added responsibilities. They’re also going through bodily changes like body hair, vocal changes, and growth spurts.

You’re noticing some changes that are a bit concerning, and you want to make sure there isn’t a bigger issue at play. Here are some warning signs you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to teenage boys and depression.

Appetite Changes

Changes in one’s eating habits can be an indicator of depression. It could cause your teen to overeat or under eat, depending on the person. Depression can make someone feel like they don’t have the appetite or energy to eat, which can cause them to lose weight. It can also cause someone to binge or fall victim to their various food cravings, which can cause weight gain.

Behavior and Mood Changes

The teen years can bring on behavioral changes, but depression can bring on additional changes in both their behavior and mood. They will appear angry or irritable. These changes may even cause them to act out. In addition to feeling anger, they may experience frequent sadness, helplessness, or even hopelessness.

Changes in Sleeping Habits

Changes in one’s sleeping habits can be a sign of depression. This one may be a bit harder to spot in teenagers. Teens tend to sleep more than adults because their brains are still developing, and they need more sleep for this to happen. Depression can cause additional changes in one’s sleep schedule and routine. It could cause a person to not be able to fall asleep at night or to have difficulty staying asleep throughout the night. Others with depression may sleep more or struggle to get out of bed.

Difficulty in School

Your teen’s grades and education may take a hit if they’re struggling with depression. Depression can make it difficult for someone to concentrate, make decisions, and remember information. Due to these changes, they may struggle with their homework, quizzes, and tests, or even just paying attention in classes.

Loss of Interest in Activities

If your teen used to be interested in an extracurricular activity like joining a band or participating in an after-school sports team, and they don’t seem to be partaking in these types of activities, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can cause individuals to lose interest or not have the energy to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.

Withdrawing from Family and Friends

Depression can cause your teen to withdraw and isolate from their own family and friends. They may start to believe that they’re better off on their own or don’t want to impose on their loved ones. If they’d rather be alone than be social, depression could be to blame.

Next Steps

As a parent, there’s nothing you can do to prevent your teenager from getting depression, but there are things that you can do to help them if they’re struggling. Let them know that you’re there for them to support them. However, they may need you to show up for them.

If you or your teen are looking for additional support during this time, consider reaching out for additional support. A mental health professional will help you and your teen work through these challenges and move forward. If you’ve noticed any of these signs or symptoms in your teen, reach out today to set up an initial consultation for teen counseling.