It is not easy to recognize the signs of depression in teenagers, especially since some of the same behaviors may simply behaviors may simply indicate that a teen has had a bad day. But if your son has experienced five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks is diagnosed as having a depressive illness.
1. Persistent sadness; or feeling down gloomy
It is a feeling of sadness that lingers for days and will not simply go away. Teenagers describe a sense of “heaviness” or “weariness” in their hearts. This feeling is often worse in the morning.
Sadness
- Complains about being unhappy
- Frequently cries
- Does not take pleasure in things
2. Difficulty falling asleep or stay asleep; or sleeping excessively
Sleep disturbances are very common in depression. Teenagers have difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or may feel that the little sleep they get is not refreshing. On the other hand, some teenagers feel tired and lethargic all the time, and may sleep more than usual.
Problems with Sleep
- Sleeps too much
- Has difficulty falling asleep
- Frequently wakes up at night
- Has difficulty getting up in the morning
3. Changes in Peer Relationship
- Avoids getting together with old friends
- Has new friends who seem to have a lot of problems
- Frequently complains about how other teens treat him
4. Feeling tired and lacking in energy
Together with the loss of interest in activities, they often feel tired more easily. They have trouble getting through the work day, and may lack energy to complete tasks.
Low energy
- Always seems tired
- Doesn’t seem to get things done like he or she used to
- Doesn’t participate in activities like he or she used to
- Avoids engaging in activities that require effort
5. New Difficulties in Concentration
- Complains about being unable to concentrate
- Spends less time on things that used to be of interest
- Doesn’t seem to be listening when spoken to
6. Recent Decline in School Performance
- Does poorly on tests
- Does less well than usual in school grades
- Spends less time than usual on homework
- Exhibits a decline in school behavior
7. Irritability
- Directs more mean-tempered remarks toward others than usual
- Lacks patience with parents or siblings
- Has significantly more difficulty dealing with negative events
- Yells and screams at others often
- Is easily frustrated
8. Pessimism
- Talks about the future being hopeless
- Expects to fail or do poorly
- Makes frequent negative comments about himself / herself
9. Negative Body Language
- Rarely seems to smile or laugh anymore
- Seems to have lost his sense of humor
- Has little facial expression when spoken to
- Frequently walks with his head down
10. Weight loss or weight gain; or decrease or increase in appetite
This is one of the most common symptoms. Loss of appetite is more common than increased appetite. Teenagers find food tasteless and have no desire to eat, causing them to lose weight. Alternatively, some teenagers eat more to cope with their sad feelings and may gain weight as a result.
Changes in Eating Routine
- Eats a lot less than usual
- Eats significantly more and has gained a lot of unneeded weight
- Does not sit down to eat meals with the family anymore
11. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Teenagers may feel that life is meaningless and wish that their lives would end. While passive thoughts of suicide may be common, actual attempts are less so. However, any verbalized suicidal ideation should be taken seriously and discussed with a doctor or counselor.
Suicidal Comments or Self-Abusive Behavior
- Talks about wanting to be dead
- Is obsessed with death in art and music
- Makes cuts on her body
** Depressed children have expressed great relief when they realize that the bad things happening in their lives aren’t their fault.
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