photo: Sodanie Chea, Creative Commons
As a therapist who specializes in treating adolescents with symptoms of depression, I’ve noticed a trend: these symptoms seem to show up more in girls.
I’m not alone in noticing this trend in depression symptoms.
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services agency (SAMHSA) estimates that in 2013, roughly 16% of teen girls met the criteria for an episode of depression. SAMHSA also estimates that episodes of depression occur in teen girls about three times more frequently than in teen boys.
Because of these statistics, it’s so important for parents to know what depression looks like.
Parents who are familiar with the signs/symptoms of depression are more able and more open to getting their adolescents into counseling to combat the effects of depression. Being able to identify and talk with your teen about these signs will enable parents to get their teens the help and support they need.
Signs of depression in teens are typically divided into behavioral and emotional changes.
Behavioral Signs:
- Fatigue/low energy
- Increased need for sleep, sleeping too much, and reporting getting unsatisfactory sleep
- Significant changes in appetite: either no hunger or increased focus on food
- Struggle to maintain daily physical hygiene routine: skipping showers, not brushing teeth, wearing dirty clothes for multiple days at a time without being aware of it
- Drug/alcohol use
Emotional Signs:
- Increased irritability
- Loss of pleasure in activities your teen used to enjoy or were a significant part of their life
- Intense feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-blame, or criticism
- Frequent feelings of sadness, increased crying spells
- Increased conflict with family or friends
Depression is treatable, and counseling is readily accessible, even for teens.
If your teen daughter is showing signs of an episode of depression, begin looking for a counselor who specializes in treating adolescents and depression. Getting connected to a mental health professional is the first step in getting your teen the help she needs.
Sarah Brookings, LPC
sbrookings@ growcounseling.com