Depression. Does My Teen Struggle with It?
Being a parent can be incredibly tough, especially when you're trying to navigate the complexities of raising teenagers. You always want the best for your kids, but sometimes it feels like you're walking in the dark, unsure of what they truly need or want. As your teen grows, you may begin to notice behaviors that you’ve never seen before—behaviors that leave you confused and uncertain about how to help. It might feel like they are pulling away, and no matter how hard you try to reach out, they respond with nothing more than short, single-word answers. They seem to shut themselves off, like a clam shell that refuses to open, and it leaves you feeling helpless and frustrated. You might wonder, "What do I do now?" You want to support them, guide them through these challenging years, but sometimes it seems like the closer you get, the more distant they become.
There is a chance that your teenager is battling depression, and it’s important to recognize that depression can look different in every person. In fact, it manifests in unique ways in teenagers compared to adults. Teenagers may not express their feelings in the same manner as adults, which can make it difficult to identify. As a parent, it can be incredibly challenging to figure out whether these signs are just typical teenage behavior or if they are something more serious.
Once you suspect depression might be the issue, the next question is, "How do you help them?"
More than Hormonal Mood Swings
Teenagers experience hormonal changes on a daily basis, which can make it challenging to distinguish between mood swings caused by hormones and those stemming from depression. However, with depression, mood swings tend to occur more frequently and with greater intensity. In addition to this, there is often an increase in feelings of anger, sadness, and irritability.
Lack of Motivation
While teenagers may often seem like they don't want to do anything, low motivation caused by depression typically manifests in activities they once enjoyed. They may now find themselves unable to participate in these activities because of a lack of drive or energy.
Decrease in Social Behavior
Teenagers often feel the urge to be anywhere but at home, seeking independence and social connections. However, when a teen is struggling with depression, this desire for escape can turn into isolation. They may withdraw not only from family members but also from friends. Instead of socializing or participating in outside events, they may prefer to stay at home, often spending long periods of time alone in their room. This withdrawal from their usual social circles and interests is a key sign that depression may be affecting them.
Issues at School
While not every teen is academically gifted or highly motivated to excel in school, many typically do just enough to pass or get by without drawing attention or getting into trouble. However, when depression sets in, a teenager may lose interest in their studies altogether, showing little concern for their grades or the consequences of getting into trouble at school. This lack of care can be a significant sign that depression is affecting their motivation and outlook on their education.
Self-Harm
Self-harm is a major red flag, often signaling that a teenager is desperately trying to manage overwhelming emotions they feel unable to control. While these emotions are frequently linked to depression, they may not always be the sole cause. Self-harm can manifest in various ways, such as cutting, burning, or even taking excessively hot baths or showers. These actions are often attempts by the teen to cope with their emotional pain, providing a temporary sense of relief or control. It's crucial to recognize these behaviors as cries for help, indicating the need for professional support and intervention.
At Joyful Horizons Counseling Our mission is to offer personalized therapeutic services tailored to the unique needs of each individual who walks through our doors. We take a holistic approach, combining compassion with care. We prioritize safety and privacy, understanding the vital role that a strong therapeutic relationship plays in the healing journey.
Take the first step in supporting your teen through their challenges by scheduling a consultation to ensure they receive the help and support they need.
We are located in both Aurora Co and Lakewood Co with In-Person and Virtual Availability