Teens can sometimes be very difficult to read. There may be days where they stay cooped up in their room for no apparent reason and they are happy to do so, there may be other times that there is far more to it than that. Having the occasional bad day is to be expected, for anyone regardless of their age. Due to this it can be hard to know where there is cause for concern. Isolating can be a sign of something more such as difficult feelings of sadness, hopelessness or even symptoms of depression.

Does My Teen Have Depression?

Depression is an intense feeling that can hit anyone, though clinical depression is far more than feeling sad. Teens can be especially susceptible to depression due to changes happening in their bodies and social pressures unique to this age group. At this stage of development their brains are still in the process of developing, particularly their frontal lobe which is responsible for decision making. It is no wonder that they may be making some questionable decisions and mistakes. Their perceptions and reactions can also be different from how an adult would behave under the same situation. With social, academic and familial pressures your adolescent could be having more on their plate than they can successfully manage.

Don’t Ignore Feelings of Hopelessness, Sadness and Hurt

Coping with intense and difficult feelings requires the use of healthy coping skills. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, sadness and hurt can be expected in certain situations. If you notice that these negative emotions seem to occur more often than not it may be time to seek help for your child in developing skills to manage these difficult feelings. If left untreated these emotions are likely to get worse.

Know the Symptoms of Depression

Sadness, hopelessness and hurt are just a few of the signs of depression. Experts say that depression can manifest in different ways. If your child exhibits some of the following symptoms, consulting with a professional could be a great next step; the sooner the better. Some symptoms to note are:

• Showing sadness or irritability particularly in the morning
• Loss of interested in things that were previously enjoyed
• Feeling tired most of the time
• Changed patterns of sleep and/or eating
• Loss or gain of weight
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions
• Feelings of guilty or worthlessness
• Signs of self-harm

Responding to the Silent Plea for Help

Your teen may not be able to express their feelings of sadness, hopelessness and hurt. They may be unaware that they are experiencing symptoms of depression, they may only know that something isn’t right for them. The opposite may also be true, your teen may not acknowledge the seriousness of their situation. Regardless of their reaction, know that help is available. It can be helpful to consult an experienced therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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