Depression among adolescents is at an all-time high. 

It’s easy to think, “not my kid” — especially if they seem to be doing all the things that are expected of young people.

But depression can be silent. Even the seemingly most vibrant young person with an active social life, friends, good grades and extracurricular activities can be masking pain not easily seen.

What is depression?

Depression is not just profound sadness. 

It’s a deep despair that affects not only mental health, but physical health as well. It can cause physical pain, weight loss or weight gain, insomnia and fatigue. 

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are common with depression. In some cases, thoughts of death or suicide also occur. 

Suicide has become a leading cause of adolescent death. If your child is in danger of attempting suicide or has already attempted it, make sure someone stays with the child while you call 911. If you can safely take them to the nearest hospital, do so.

Depression is the most widely diagnosed mental disorder. It can be triggered by the loss of a loved one or friend, a major life change or losing a job. There are also other mental health conditions that contribute to depression.

Why are rates of depression rising among teens?

Today’s teens face a host of constant stressors and challenges. 

The rise in social media over the past decade has contributed to adolescent depression. With young people constantly involved with Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social media, more adolescents face a barrage of images of “perfect” influencers and celebrities, chipping away at their self-esteem. 

The connectivity allowed by the internet also means bullying doesn’t stop at the schoolyard. Teens face harassment that can seem relentless.

Young people experiencing doubts about their gender or sexuality are particularly susceptible to depression. Regardless of your personal feelings, listen to your child without judgement on the issue. 

Adolescents are also exposed to “adult” concerns, including substance abuse and addiction, financial problems, social stress and others.

Growing recognition of the signs of depression also means more teens are being diagnosed — and able to get the treatment they need.

Recognizing depression in adolescents

Recognizing the signs of depression in adolescents is crucial for early intervention and treatment.

Common signs of depression in teens include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Other signs can include irritability, aggression or reckless behavior. 

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, talk to them and seek professional help. A mental health professional can help assess the severity of the depression and recommend appropriate treatment, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Helping a teen with depression

Communication is one of the most important keys to staying in tune with your adolescent. This can be no easy feat, as even young people who are not depressed tend to pull away from parental advice as they grow and develop into their own person. 

A big part of communication is as simple as listening — and doing so without judgement. Asking directly is an effective approach: “Are you OK? Is there something you want to talk about?” 

If your adolescent does indicate that they may be depressed, speak to their medical provider for guidance. A pediatric provider or your family’s primary care provider can help find age-appropriate treatment.

Your support is vital. You may feel angry or disappointed, but your teen needs to know that you support them. Show them that their feelings of hopelessness are a symptom and not a true picture of their reality. Speak positively to them and remind them of their strengths and positive attributes — but do not compare them to how they “used to be.” It’s also helpful to limit their access to social media and reduce screen time as a whole. Encourage face-to-face activities with their friends or family.

Willowbrooke at Tanner offers effective treatments that can help a teen overcome depression and get back to a healthy life. See how we can help at WillowbrookeAtTanner.org or reach our 24-hour help line at 770-812-9551.