Symptoms of Teen Depression – An Introduction

Teenage depression isn’t just a terrible frame of mind and sporadic gloominess. It is a grave crisis that affects all facets of a teen’s life. If it remained unattended, there will be difficulties at home and school, drug abuse, self-hatred—even irretrievable damage such as murderous aggression or suicide. Luckily, teenage depression can be cured.

Teenagers cope with a plethora of hassles since their days of puberty. The natural tendency of teens is to assert and be independent. This brings them into direct confrontation with their parents. This leaves them moody and gloomy. So, sometimes it becomes difficult to distinguish between gloominess with depression. Because they are dependents, teenagers have to depend on their parents, friends, teachers etc. for help in solving personal problems.

Common Symptoms of Teen Depression

The most common symptoms of teenage depression are discussed here. These symptoms do not point to major depression as such, but they are comparable. A teenager, whose behavioral tendencies converge with some of the following symptoms, is a fit candidate for medical examination to check for major depression.

Persistent gloom, sobbing, crying: Teens may display their sadness by sporting black dress, writing poetry with moody premises. They mail, write, chat and blog on gloomy scenarios which reflect their state of mind. They listen to music which is philosophical and melancholic in nature. They cry uncontrollably and for no apparent reason.

Despondency: Teens may be overcome with a sense of dejection and feel that their life is a waste and that no purpose is served by prolonging their living any further. They neglect their hygiene and neatness. They turn gloomy and start believing that the adverse situation that they are in is not going to change ever.

Apathy and inability to enjoy: Teens may turn out to be indifferent and abandon discos, games and sports, and other pastimes that they have once enjoyed. For a teen in depression, there is nothing in the world to live for and enjoy.

Endless monotony: lack of vigor: Lack of drive, push and weak stamina will manifest in their not continuing their education. They stop going to school on some pretext or the other.

Social seclusion, reduced interaction: There is complete disconnect with family and friends. Teens may stay away from family congregations and occasions. Teens spend most of the time all alone. Their social networking becomes non-existent. Teens refuse to disclose their feelings with others, thinking that elders in the family will not understand and help them. They feel that they are unwanted.

Short on confidence and remorseful: Teens may hold themselves accountable for any bad occurrences and situations. They consider themselves as failures in life and think that they are incompetent and worthless.

Increased petulance, rage, or aggression: Depression makes teens ill-tempered and short-tempered. They take out their anger on friends and family through criticism, mockery, or by being offensive.

Body ailments: Teens may indicate symptoms of giddiness or dizziness, nausea, and backache. Other common problems include headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, and menstrual problems.

Unusual dietary and sleeping habits: Mild sleep disorder may show up resulting in irregular sleep hours. Erratic eating habits like over-eating or preferring to remain hungry are some of the depression symptoms.

Suicidal thoughts or self-infliction: Depression can take a toll on teen’s mentality. A teen may talk of taking out his life and even contemplate to commit suicide. Depressed teens are most vulnerable to suicidal thoughts as they fail to find any other solution to their perceived problems. Feeling of worthlessness of life, perceived incompetence and inabilities, etc. make them think that ending their life is the panacea for all their problems. Their general gloomy outlook due to depression will further aid their thoughts of self-infliction or suicide.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Teens become prone to alcoholism and drug abuse to get over their moody and sulking feelings. They find solace in such things as they always feel better because alcohol and drugs have the capacity to numb the mind and the senses. They become addicted over time. This will further deteriorate their depressed state.

Other Symptoms of Teen Depression

Some other symptoms of teenage depression are:

Defiant behavior

Complaints of boredom

Becomes disruptive

Changes in sexual activity

Preoccupation with self

Fearful of doing something bad