Teen Depression:
When to seek out Professional Help

Teenage years can look and feel different for everyone. As a parent, you may find that your teens’ experience is similar to your own or vastly different. Whether similar or not, one’s teenage years can be difficult and full of unique challenges. Not all of these challenges can be positive, causing depression to be a reality for many teens today. As a parent, it can be helpful to learn the signs and symptoms of depression in teens to be able to help your teenager, if necessary.

Teen Depression

Teens are especially susceptible to depression. Around this time, they will experience a lot of biological changes. Scientific studies reveal that your child’s brain will go through substantial changes during their early and mid-adolescent stages. There will be significant growth and modifications in the neural connections within the brain.

Adolescence is also the time when your teenager is still uncertain about their identity and where they fit in. Between raging hormones, school stresses, peer and social pressure, and family conflict your teen may be struggling to cope. Many overwhelmed teenagers may even turn to drinking, smoking and drugs in response to all their stressors. All of these factors can make them more susceptible to depression.

What You Can Do

A nurturing environment can go a long way when it comes to supporting your teen. This is critical since the immediate environment has profound effects on brain development. Of course, there is no guarantee that these years will be easier for your teen even with a healthy environment, there are too many factors that are beyond your control. Depression can affect anyone.

Knowing what to look out for and providing support along the way can be crucial. You are not alone; help is available, and therapy can help.

Never Ignore the Signs

Knowing the signs and symptoms of depression can help you to intervene sooner rather than later. Common symptoms of depression include sad/low mood, decreased interest in things your teen previously enjoyed doing, changes in appetite, oversleeping or insomnia, difficulty focusing and excessive guilt. Sometimes mood changes appear in teens as being more irritable or having angry outbursts. Depression can also result in thoughts of death, suicide and/or self-harming behaviors.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your teen it could be helpful to schedule an appointment with a counselor who can thoroughly assess and provide a diagnosis.

Be Proactive

Depression can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Carolina Counseling Services, Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with caring and knowledgeable therapists that can help you and your teen work through depression. Early intervention can be key, don’t wait to address the concerns you may be having about your child. Call today to schedule your first appointment!

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