How to tell if a teenager is depressed

Manifestations of depression

During the period of growing up and hormonal changes, the child is faced with many pressing factors that negatively affect the psycho-emotional state, self-esteem, and relationships with the environment.
The inevitable process of transition from a child to an adult is often accompanied by conflicts with parents, as adolescents begin to actively defend their independence. In all this drama, it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to discern warning signs indicating the development of depression. The situation is further complicated by the fact that teenagers do not always want to admit to their parents about their problems, often trying to solve them on their own or let the situation take its course. However, attentive, loving parents can still recognize warning signs that indicate the development of a depressive disorder. Most adolescents who are in a state of psycho-emotional depression are characterized by increased irritability, aggression, and hostility. Other symptoms that may indicate depression in your child:

• fatigue, apathy, lack of interest in favorite activities, hobbies;
• tearfulness or, conversely, anger, rudeness;
• sleep disorder: insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day;
• unmotivated experiences, worries, fear, phobias;
• refusal to communicate with friends, peers, classmates;
• forgetfulness, decreased concentration, irresponsibility;
• low self-esteem, strong worries about appearance;
• decline in academic performance, sometimes categorical refusal to go to school;
• eating disorder: complete refusal of food or, conversely, uncontrolled gluttony;
• causeless pain of various localizations: headaches, abdominal, joint, muscle;
• interest in cigarettes, alcohol, prohibited substances;
• talking about death, suicide.

Take care of yourself

It is extremely important that you don't neglect your physical and mental health because it will determine whether you can cope emotionally with all the difficulties.

Don't accumulate your emotions. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and helpless from time to time. Chat with friends and talk about how you feel.

Avoid just one emotional state - guilt. Self-flagellation will not lead to anything good and will also add an additional level of stress.

And to understand your child more, you can read some of the following books:

• "Teenage Depression" by Douglas Riley.
• “Our uncontrollable teenagers”, Alexey Bulgakov.
• “Aggressive teenager”, Tatyana Avdulova.
• “Psychology of adolescence”, Tatyana Avdulova.

We sincerely hope that you will need this article only for general development. But in any case, we wish you good luck!

We also recommend reading:

• Storytelling
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• Development of communication skills in children
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• How to protect your child from smoking
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: briefly about the most important things
• How to Prevent Stress and Depression from Tony Robbins
• Overcoming spiritual depression
• Ways to determine hidden depression
• A Guide to Relieving Depression and Apathy
• Positive therapy for children

Key words:1Psychoregulation

The danger of depression in adolescents

Prolonged depression in a child can become chronic, which will negatively affect the teenager’s future life. Detached, withdrawn, aggressive behavior will become the norm for a person and in adulthood it will be difficult for him to adapt and interact in society. Such people in most cases lead a solitary life, cannot realize themselves professionally, and do not have family, children, or friends.

With depression, the body's energy reserves rapidly decrease. The person is unable to do physical work and sometimes refuses to get out of bed. This lifestyle further aggravates the condition, leading to complete apathy and reluctance to change anything in your life.

Due to depressive disorder, a teenager's character gradually changes for the worse, which further increases the feeling of depression, melancholy and hopelessness. The negative effects of teenage depression often extend far beyond depressed melancholic moods, causing other related problems:

• deterioration in school performance, up to complete interest in learning;
• attempts to run away from home;
• alcohol and drug abuse;
• reckless behavior;
• low self-esteem;
• violence towards others and animals.

A depressed teenager: advice from a psychologist on how to avoid trouble

Parents of teenagers often pay attention to the fact that their children suddenly change: a recently cheerful child loses interest in school, friends, and life in general. He's not happy at all. The son or daughter looks tired and refuses to eat. Losing weight or, conversely, gaining weight. Many people tend to attribute this to adolescence, but it is important not to miss the onset of depression. How to recognize it and sound the alarm in time, says Elena Sizikova, family psychologist.

— What symptoms should parents be wary of?

- Sleep disturbance - insomnia or drowsiness. The child may complain of difficulty concentrating. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt (often unfounded). Sometimes depression in children manifests itself in behavior - hyperactivity, enuresis, poor performance at school. The teenager is restless, grumpy, and denies everything. Reaches to antisocial or aggressive behavior. May become sullen and avoid family contacts. Or vice versa - seem too emotional, sensitive, especially with peers. He doesn't care about his appearance or his performance at school.

- Why is this condition dangerous?

— It is often accompanied by obsessive thoughts about death, suicidal intentions or attempts. A teenager in this state may start using alcohol and drugs. Depression in a teenager should not be underestimated: it can lead to serious, dangerous, even irreparable consequences.

- How to prevent this? What to do if symptoms of depression appear?

— If you know or guess that your child is thinking about death or is a member of destructive groups on social networks, then you should urgently seek help from a psychologist. For example, to one of the family centers in Moscow. It's difficult to cope here on your own.

If we are talking about the prevention of teenage depression, then it is important to understand: adolescence is a very difficult, conflict-filled age. It is impossible to avoid conflict situations. And it's not necessary. The most important thing is to try to create such a psychological climate in the family so that the teenager feels supported, knows that he is heard and taken into account.

— It’s easy to say, but how can parents create such an atmosphere?

—

There are several methods: active emotional support for a depressed child and encouraging his positive aspirations. This will help ease the situation. It is possible and necessary to teach a teenager to socialize and overcome stress - psychologists can also help here. Another method is to expand time perspective and self-understanding.

— You said that conflicts should not be avoided, and a positive atmosphere cannot be created in a short time. How to behave correctly when conflict is inevitable?

— Communicate your fears and concerns clearly to your teen so they can understand them. Bring the teenager to a frank conversation to find out what is happening to him. He must know that he will be listened to without criticism or condemnation. An adult needs to show his willingness to listen and understand, which does not mean forgiveness. It simply creates a solid foundation on which to build further relationships. A teenager needs his parents to listen to him, but not give him advice until he asks them for it. This is difficult to come to terms with, but parents need to accept and understand: a teenager does not necessarily have to follow the advice of his elders. He makes his choice.

Only with this approach is a meaningful dialogue possible between two equal people - an adult and a teenager. Only on such a basis can constructive communication and behavior be built.

HOW TO TALK TO A TEENAGER

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Tips for communicating with a depressed teen

If you suspect that your child is suffering from depression, immediately talk to him about it, share your concern with him, tell him what exactly in his behavior worries you, convince him that you will not scold him, tell strangers, or impose your melancholy vision.

Here's what psychologists advise parents whose children are experiencing depression:

• Offer support. A teenager should know that his parents will always come to his aid and help him in a difficult situation. Make it clear that you are ready to provide the necessary help and support at any time.
• Listen and hear. It is important not only to listen to your son or daughter, but also to hear their problem. At the same time, do not criticize, condemn or impose your opinion. Try to constructively discuss controversial issues, letting your child speak out, and then offer your point of view.
• Acknowledge your child's feelings. You need to be sympathetic to the pain, fears and sadness of a teenager. This is the only way you will be on the same page with him and will be able to understand the scale of the problem.
• Try to properly organize your teenager’s leisure time. If a child is busy with an interesting activity, he will have no time left for bad thoughts. Ask your son or daughter again, maybe they want to enroll in some kind of sports section or creative club. Respect your teenager's decisions and allow him to choose his own hobby.
• Show through personal experience how to cope with difficult situations in life.

Fighting depression on your own

The key to treating depression is to start with small goals and then gradually achieve them.

Daily fight against depression

Depression is not your fault. However, you have some control over your feelings. Communication with friends and relatives, a healthy lifestyle and stress control will have a positive effect on your mood and help you get out of depression.

At the same time, you may need to take appropriate medications or medications to help control your feelings. Review possible treatment options with your parents. When considering treatment options, try to find out as much information as possible before making your final choice. Some antidepressants intended for adults may have a negative effect on adolescents.

Try not to isolate yourself from the world around you

When you are depressed, you may not want to see anyone or do anything. Even just getting out of bed in the morning can be very difficult, but isolation from the outside world only makes depression worse. Make it a rule to remain a socially active person, even if this is not at all what you want. When you go out in public, you will begin to feel much better.

Spend time with friends, especially those who are active and optimistic, who will help you feel better. Avoid communicating with those who take drugs or alcohol, or who can bring you trouble or make you feel insecure.

It will also be useful to limit the time you spend in front of the TV or computer playing various games online.

Take care of your body's health

A healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your mood. Things like exercise and healthy eating have been shown to be effective in fighting depression. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which instantly makes a person feel happy. Physical activity can be as effective as medication or therapy for depression, so start exercising, dancing, or cycling. Any type of physical activity helps! Even a short walk can be beneficial.

When it comes to nutrition, poor diet can make you feel sluggish and tired, which can further worsen your symptoms of depression. The human body needs vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamin B. Try to fill your diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Talk to your parents, doctor or school nurse to make sure your diet is balanced.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

You may try using alcohol or drugs in an attempt to get rid of depressing thoughts and improve your mood, at least for a short time. However, these substances can not only aggravate depression, but also cause it themselves. Alcohol and drugs also increase suicidal thoughts. In the long run, alcohol and drugs will only make things worse, not better.

If you are drug or alcohol dependent, seek help. These problems are treated with special medications and procedures that can be combined with treatment for depression.

Ask for help if you are stressed

Stress and anxiety can become very acute, even leading to depression. Talk to your teacher or school counselor if exams or homework are making you feel overwhelmed.

Likewise, if you have health problems that you cannot discuss with your parents - such as drug addiction or pregnancy - seek medical attention or consult with your doctor. A health professional can help find an approach to parents (if required) and provide appropriate medical care.

If you are having problems in your relationships, with friends, or with your family, talk to an adult you trust. There may also be a psychologist at your school who you can contact for help, or ask your parent to make an appointment with a psychotherapist.

How to spot teenage depression early. Important signs

Depression is very destructive for the fragile psyche of a teenager, so it is important to notice the first signs in time and not waste precious time.

The first noticeable signs of teenage depression are apathy, lethargy, refusal of favorite activities, and decreased academic performance. Most parents do not like this behavior of their child, so they begin to put pressure on him, further aggravating the situation.

With depression, many teenagers literally refuse to get out of bed or do even basic homework, not to mention studying, ignoring which leads to a sharp decline in academic performance. Insomnia is another characteristic symptom of depressive disorder. In order to somehow brighten up and pass the time, the child plays computer games all night, sits on social networks, while trying not to attract unnecessary attention from adults.

Parents should be wary of drastic changes in their child’s eating behavior. Do not ignore attempts to refuse food or, conversely, uncontrolled appetite. Try to find out the reasons for obvious changes in behavior, communicate more with the child, and offer him your help.

Another alarm bell is the child’s suicidal thoughts, which manifest themselves in frequent conversations about death, gloomy drawings, listening to depressive musical content, etc.

What to do if you notice symptoms of depression in your child

Sometimes even the most attentive parents find it difficult to distinguish depression in a teenager with a sad, depressed mood. If attempts to establish contact with the child are unsuccessful, the melancholic mood persists for more than three weeks, external manifestations of depression are observed, it is necessary to urgently seek professional medical help.

Depression is a very destructive disease if not treated correctly. Therefore, you should not wait and hope that the problem will disappear on its own. If your child is not the same and the warning signs of depressive disorder are obvious, seek professional help.