DEPRESSION
IN ADOLESCENTS
Adolescent Depression (Ages 14-17)
Teen depression is as real as childhood depression. In fact, the illness itself is similar, but the challenges for a teen are different than a child as they are in a different stage of development. Teens are also too are affected by genetics from each parent but are also dealing with peer pressure, academic expectations, sometimes bullying, along with hormonal and body changes. However, don’t be fooled by the old mindset “they’re just a teenager” as depression is real and so is suicide.
Some important signs of adolescent depression to look for include the following:
Conflict with family or friends
Crying spells
Depressed or sad mood
Difficulty thinking, focusing and making decisions
Exaggerated self-blame or guilt
Extreme sensitivity to rejection
Hopelessness
Irritability
Isolation
Loss of appetite or overeating
Loss of interest in things that may have excited one in the past Physical Complaints (i.e. stomach aches, headaches)
Poor school performance
Sleep disturbance – too little or too much
Suicidal thoughts
Psychiatric Care
If an adolescent is struggling with certain treatment resistant psychiatric symptoms and they want to pursue the possibility of psychiatric medications, then we can help by scheduling them through Mynd Works Psychiatry at any time and help them determine a path that works for them.