Teen Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Support Their Mental Health
Adolescence is a time of immense change - physically, mentally, hormonally, socially, and more. It’s natural for teens to appear moody during this phase of life as they grow and adapt. However, sometimes that moodiness is more severe, which could be a sign of depression. Here are the common causes and symptoms you should know about, plus how you can support the mental health of teens and adolescents personally and through therapy.
What Causes Depression in Adolescents and Teens?
While we don’t know exactly what causes depression, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to its occurrence. Some of these issues are specifically part of adolescence, while others can contribute to both teen adult depression. This includes:
● Brain structure and chemistry: Teens with depression may have different levels of neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that affect brain cell communication and help regulate mood. Low levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin may affect depression.
● Hormones: An imbalance in hormones can play a role in causing depression.
● Childhood trauma: Traumatic events, especially in early childhood, can cause depression later in life. This is especially true as children don’t typically have coping mechanisms to deal with a distressing event, like the loss of a parent or abuse.
● Negative thinking: The patterns of thinking presented to teens by their parents and peers can impact how they think and feel. If parents have a pattern of pessimistic or helpless thinking, teens may develop similar patterns and become depressed.
● Inherited traits: People who have blood relatives with depression are more likely to have depression.
Symptoms and Signs of Teen Depression
It can be hard to decipher whether your teen is going through normal teenage moodiness or if it’s something more severe. The following symptoms can be signs of depression, but it’s always best to talk with your teen to get a better understanding of how they’re feeling.
● Changes in appetite and weight
● Loss of energy and changes in sleeping routine
● Complaints of unexplainable aches (body or head)
● Restlessness
● Risky behavior or angry outbursts
● Feelings of sadness, frustration, hopelessness, or annoyance
● Loss of interest in usual activities or socializing with friends and family
● Low self-esteem and self-criticism
Three Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health
Teens and adolescents depend on their parents' support, not only for physical health but also for mental health. Here are a few ways you can offer that support.
1. Check-In Often
Ask your teen how they’re feeling and how things are going. It doesn’t have to be a big deal - just be sure to check in on them to let them know you’re here for them. Even if they don’t want to talk at that moment, they know you’re there when they need you. And when they do want to talk, be sure to listen with the intent of hearing them out - not immediately jumping to give advice.
2. Ask What They Want
Sometimes your teen might come to you for advice, other times they just need to vent. It’s okay to ask how you can best support them. Something as simple as “Can I give you my perspective on it?” goes a long way.
3. Encourage Healthy Habits
Just like adults, teens need to socialize, exercise, find creative outlets, and have downtime to feel balanced. Encouraging teens to find a way to fill all of these areas, and set healthy boundaries with each, can help them maintain their overall wellbeing.
If you think your teen is suffering from depression, talk with them. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help - therapy can be a great place for teens and adolescents to learn the tools they need to overcome depression and live balanced lives. You can read more about our therapy offering here - I’m here to help you and your teen work through this challenging time.
Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-we-are/202009/supporting-your-teens-mental-health
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression
https://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-depression#risk-factors
Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW is a clinical psychotherapist. Zairys provides individual, couples and sex therapy using evidence-based approaches. She specializes in treating individuals and couples who have relationship or sexual concerns. Read full bio