Understanding And Treating Your Teen's Depression
Raising a teenager can be overwhelming. Not only do you need to ensure they are physically healthy, but you also need to help maintain their emotional wellness. While all teenagers experience moodiness from time to time, severe mood changes and chronic melancholy is a sign of a more serious problem. One in five teens suffer from depression, so learning the signs of this disorder is imperative. With this guide, you will understand adolescent depression and learn the best options for treatment.
Signs
Again, it is important to remember that your teenager will have mood swings and bad attitudes from time to time. In addition, they may prefer to spend time alone in their rooms. This is normal behavior due to your teen's changing hormones. However, if the mood swings, attitude, and isolation is becoming more and more common and prominent, pay attention to their other behavior more closely.
Common signs of teenage depression including the following:
- Withdrawal from friends/family
- Loss of interest in their favorite activities, hobbies, sports, etc.
- Frequent crying
- A decrease in performance at school
- Loss of motivation
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Constant irritability, hostility, anger
- Acting out violently
- Comments about death, thoughts of suicide
If you are noticing this behavior, consult your child's doctor and a psychiatrist immediately for a complete evaluation.
Treatment
Treating your teen's depression will depend on its severity. In most cases, doctors will recommend therapy sessions along with prescription medications.
Therapy allows your teen to discuss their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental manner with a medical professional who not only specializes in mental illness, but who also have experience with adolescent issues.
Anti-depressant medications are usually effective for managing depression, but they can have side effects. Your teen's doctor will discuss the potential side effects beforehand to determine if these medications are the right option for you and your teenager.
If your child's depression is causing them to have thoughts of suicide or they have already attempted to harm themselves, a stay in a hospital or mental health facility will be recommended. While this can be physically and emotionally overwhelming for your teen and your entire family, around-the-clock supervision and medical care is essential for your teen's health and wellness.
Moodiness is common in teens, but constant changes in their mood, extreme isolation, and chronic sadness are signs that should be taken seriously. This guide and your doctor's help will ensure your teen's depression is diagnosed and treated in the most efficient and effective manner. Contact a clinic, like Commonwealth Affiliates PC, for more help.
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