Quick Tips

Ask the program representative about their experience and treatment philosophies, if you do not agree you may not want to go any further with them. If you cannot support the programs ideas you, your child and the program will be in for long, frustrating process without the desired outcome.

Teen Depression - Helping teens struggling with depression

Adolescents/teenagers who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the adolescent/ teenager may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that troubled behavior is a sign of depression.

Not only adults become depressed. Adolescents and teenagers also may have depression, which is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as (1) a state of feeling sad. (2) a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentrating, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feeling of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.(Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition.)

Depression affects at least one in 50 adolescents under 12 and at least one in 20 teenagers, about half of all cases of teen depression is unrecognized and untreated. Teenagers under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families.

If one or more of these signs describes your adolescent/teenager, parents/guardians should seek help for there child.

  • Low self esteem and guilt
  • Hopelessness
  • Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
  • Persistent boredom, low energy
  • Decreased interest in activities or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
  • Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
  • Social isolation, poor communication
  • Difficulty with relationships
  • Poor concentration
  • Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
  • A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
  • Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior
  • Talk of or efforts to run away from home
  • Frequent complaints of physical illness such as stomachaches and headaches
  • Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school

Adolescents and/or teenagers who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed teens or adolescents are at increased risk for committing suicide. Depressed teens or adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better.

Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for teen and adolescent depression. This illness requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment often includes outpatient therapy and/or residential treatment care, which both include family therapy. It may also include the use of antidepressant medication. For more free help or information on treatment option, fill out our contact form. (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)