Parents of troubled teens should keep an eye out for signs of depression, for their irritable or unhappy adolescent may actually be clinically depressed. Adolescence is a time of change, and when you add hormone havoc to the already tumultuous adjustments of everyday life with family, school, extracurricular activities or lack thereof and peer pressure, there is a great likelihood that your son or daughter will eventually experience periods of sadness. If this lasts more than two weeks and your child is showing signs of depression, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional psychologist or physician.
Symptoms of Teen Depression:
notable negative change in thinking and behavior
difficulty concentrating
loss of interest in regular activities
excessive or inappropriate guilt
preoccupation with death or dying’
lack of appetite
irresponsible behavior like skipping school or doing drugs
sleeping too much
withdrawal from friends
sadness, anxiety, hopelessness
unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches
fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy
agitation and restlessness
crying spells
Causes of Teen Depression:
fluctuating hormones
inherited traits
life events like death, financial problems, divorce and high stress
early childhood trauma
learned patterns of negative thinking
Depression is an illness that comes in many forms, from major depression to seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, the body, moods and thoughts. Teen depression is more common among adolescents with a family history of depression and sadness. Health care professionals are able to determine diagnosis by conducting interviews and doing psychological tests. Even in severe cases, it is a highly treatable disorder. The earlier treatment begins, the greater likelihood that recurrence is prevented.
WinGate is a wilderness adventure therapy program for troubled teens. With individual and group sessions, struggling adolescents who are trying to surmount depression and make positive changes in their lives can delve into the root causes of issues and learn coping mechanisms and life skills. Parents often struggle with knowing when it’s time to consider out-of-home placement for their troubled teens. When depression and sadness interfere with daily life like school, peer relations, and family interactions, it is best to seek professional assistance. WinGate is here to help. Find relief and guidance by speaking with our informative admissions counselors at (800)560-1599 today.
