Adolescent depression is a huge growing problem experienced by young girls across the globe. Depression can greatly influence a young person’s life. It can affect their performance in school, relationships with peers, and even physical and mental health. 

Knowing the symptoms of depression in teenagers is important. The first step is to identify the problem and the second is to assist them in overcoming it. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we are prepared to help you recognize these symptoms and ultimately alleviate your daughter’s depression.

Understanding Adolescent Depression

Adolescence is the developmental stage during which a young person experiences a lot of changes physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It is quite common for teenagers to have mood swings and other fluctuations in their emotions. However, when a teenager has continuous feelings of being sad or having no hope for the future, this could be a sign of depression.

Depression in adolescents is not just a stage. Rather, it is a disease that needs to be tended to. If the signs are identified early, then this can greatly help a teenager overcome this illness.

Symptoms of Depression

A variety of symptoms may arise with adolescent depression. These symptoms can include changes in mood and behavior, physical symptoms, and new risky behaviors. Each of these will be discussed below.

Changes in Mood

The first and the most apparent symptom of teenage depression is the alteration in mood. This can include:

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness: Depression in teenagers is characterized by experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness most of the time. They may express hopelessness about life and have no interest in the future.
  • Irritability or anger: Adolescent depression often leads to irritation or anger instead of low mood or sadness. Teens may get easily irritated or have sudden explosive anger towards things that would not usually bother them.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Some of the symptoms of depression include excessive feelings of guilt or self-blame. Depression may show itself through low self-esteem and feeling like they are a burden to other people.

Changes in Behavior

Depression can also cause changes in a teenager’s behavior in a way that can be easily noticed. Some key behavioral signs include:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family: Depression can influence your daughter to avoid social activities and stay away from friends and family. She may avoid other people and prefer to be alone.
  • Loss of interest in activities: It is often described that one of the signs of depression is the lack of interest in things that are usually enjoyable. Teens may quit pursuing interests that they at one time enjoyed such as hobbies, sports, or other activities.
  • Decline in academic performance: Depression impacts concentration, motivation, and energy, which are essential for successful academic work. Teens can get easily distracted at school, forget about their tasks, and even have a decline in their performance.
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns: Depression may affect the sleeping and eating patterns of teens. They may oversleep or they may not be able to fall asleep easily (insomnia). There is also a potential for the development of an eating disorder.

Physical Symptoms

Depression is not just an emotional disorder. It can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of energy, or unexplained aches and pains. Depression can make teens feel tired, as if they have no energy to do what they have to do. This lack of energy usually lasts for a long time and affects her normal functioning. Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and other forms of body pains may also occur.

Risky Behaviors

On occasion, adolescents may resort to participating in unhealthy and dangerous activities to manage their depression. These behaviors can include substance abuse, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Substance use or self-harm can often be a way that teens cope with negative emotions. If adolescents feel that their depression will never go away, suicidal ideation can increase and be of concern.

Supporting Teenagers With Depression

As we’ve stated, the first step to supporting your teenage daughter with depression is to know the symptoms of adolescent depression. Then, you can help her overcome it. Using the following strategies can help make the process of overcoming depression a little more manageable.

Allow your daughter to share about how she feels. Try not to interrupt her or try to solve the issue immediately. Tell her that she is not alone and that what she is going through is okay. Adolescence is a sensitive stage in the lives of youths, and it is vital to encourage them to express themselves.

Do not ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Rather, ask questions that prompt your daughter to explain more about what she is going through. For instance, you can say, “Is there anything that has been troubling you lately?” These statements create a space to speak about what is truly going on. Be proactive in following up on these feelings and providing support through her journey of healing at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy.

Depression in adolescents is a severe mental health concern that needs to be addressed and understood. Some of the signs of depression include a change in mood, behavior, and physical complaints. Encouraging communication, raising awareness about the issue, and being prepared can help create a healing environment. Teenagers need to know that they can address their mental health issues without being isolated. Early intervention and support can go a long way toward improving the symptoms of depression for your daughter. To learn more about how to recognize depression in your daughter and set her up for success in overcoming the symptoms of depression, reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.