A common mental issue among teens is teen depression, which affects personal health and social implications with regard to an individual’s quality of life. They face unknown feelings of sadness, and mood swings when they grow up.
Depression in teens is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that affects their thought processes, feelings, and behavior sense. It can lead to various problems, ranging from academic performance and family/relationship struggles. Recognizing teen depression earlier is important to address their issues on time without affecting their quality of life.
Getting teen depression treatment at a young age prevents it from getting more serious and helps the individual develop strong coping strategies.
Symptoms of Teen Depression
Certain symptoms suggest a deeper problem than normal behavior during adolescence. The common depression symptoms in teenagers include continuous sadness, disconnect from friends and social activities, changes in sleep patterns, and a lack of academic performance. The teenagers, who are having the problem of depression, might express some signs like feelings of helplessness or guilt.
They might feel unable to think clearly, concentrate, pay attention, make decisions, or even have thoughts of death or suicide. Recognize these symptoms earlier and arrange for Phoenix teen counseling on time for effective results.
Depression Impact
A teenager who is depressed will find it difficult to focus on school work, finish assignments, and find it hard to go to class. It results in lower grades and a disinterest in participating in old activities.
Depression in teens causes them to distance themselves from friends and family socially, which may exacerbate feelings of isolation or loneliness. This isolation causes feelings of sadness and despair.
Mentally, depression causes a person to feel socially unable and inferior. On the emotional level, it signifies extreme guilt and overall hopelessness. These emotions can even get so bad that the teen begins to harm themselves, such as turning to drugs or cutting.
Depression affects the body and accounts for physical problems, such as chronic fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and numerous aches/pains with no clear cause. The combination of these emotional, social, and physical symptoms makes everyday life a struggle for a depressed teen.
Friends and Family in Identifying Depression
Family and friends play a main role in recognizing and addressing teen depression. Adolescents may not tell you or even realize that they are suffering from depression for all sorts of reasons.
A teenager who appears sad, withdrawn, or even irritable for an extended period may be experiencing depression. If your teenager’s behavior, mood, or overall function is changing significantly, you should contact a health professional.
Professional Assistance
Professional assistance in mental health including psychologists and counselors diagnose and treat teen depression effectively. They provide a safe space for them to share their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in private. Professionals in Phoenix teen counseling provide self-esteem strategies, and tips to manage symptoms in therapy sessions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective teen therapy for coping with their depression. Teens learn to recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors which reduce their depression with CBT. Other times, a combination of therapy and medication might be suggested. Seeking professional help can provide the care needed for treatment and also lead you to better recovery.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.