Three Overlooked Signs of Depression in Teenagers and Adolescents
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Teenagers and adolescents go through ever-evolving shifts in their attitudes, interests, and personality. It can be hard for parents to tell what could be a sign of mental illness, like depression, or what is just a symptom of youth. However, the symptoms of depression can have a drastic impact on your teen's life. Depression can also lead many teens to begin to abuse substances. Fortunately, there is treatment available. At the depression treatment program at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we're committed to helping teens overcome their challenges. With the help of our dual diagnosis treatment program, we treat depression and addiction simultaneously. For more information about the treatment options available, please contact Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center today at 662.373.2828.
Change of Interests, Hobbies, Passions, and Friends
Many child psychologists consider this to be the first warning sign of depression in adolescents and teens. Children are typically enthusiastic and deeply attached to their personal interests as they continue their journey of individuation and becoming their own person. It's normal for children to make changes in their interests, hobbies, passions, and even their close friends. Changes, however, lead to new interests and hobbies, as well as new friends. When a shift in focus results in non-action, it should be noted with concern by parents. Completely abandoning life's passions could be a sign a child is losing motivation, lack of passion, or willingness to participate in their life. These are all signs of depression.Swift Social Changes
Parents aren't often worried if their historically introverted child becomes a social butterfly. More attention is paid when a historically extroverted child with a bright and normal social life becomes suddenly withdrawn or socially isolated. Swift changes in social life can be indicators of depression or other problems, like substance abuse. Popularized examples of low-energy actions aren't the only indicator. Any behavior which seems spontaneous and contrary to a child's normal behavior should be a red flag.Mentions of Death and/or Suicide
Away from parents for most waking hours of the day, there is little control over what teens and adolescents learn, hear, or discuss with one another. Learning about famous musicians, expanding their knowledge of the world, existentially contemplating the meaning or reality of life, children learn about death and suicide. They might see it on TV, in movies, or experience the loss of a friend. General curiosity about death and suicide is common in order to gain understanding. A common symptom of depression is a preoccupation with thoughts of death, dying, and/or suicide. These conversations, questions, records of internet searches, and more can be challenging. However, parents and loved ones should take them very seriously and confront them immediately with the guidance of a professional.If you are a teen or adolescent and you are struggling with depression as well as thoughts of suicide, have HOPE: Hold On, Pain Ends. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Contact Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center
Untreated depression in adolescence can lead to experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Often, depression is a sign substance abuse has already started. If you are concerned about your adolescent or teen, call Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center today. Our innovative establishment serving Mississippi and the south is unique. We meet each client's individualized needs with a comprehensive treatment plan for residential treatment, recovery, academics, and beyond. We offer a range of therapeutic options to support teens suffering from depression and substance abuse, such as:- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Adventure therapy
- Family therapy
- Fly fishing therapy
