Is your child struggling with depression?

It is not easy to recognize the signs of depression in teenagers because of the many developmental changes they are going through. They not only are experiencing hormonal changes, but are also expected to figure out who they are as individuals, what they value, what their vocational path will be, and what their sexuality is. Identity development. There is really no other time in our lives that we go through as much as change as we do when we are teens. It is a turbulent time for even the most well-adapted kids who come from the most well-adapted families.

Some of the signs are blaring signals, such as suicidal thoughts or attempts. The trick is to figure out the signs of depression and seek help before it gets to this really scary and unsafe place.

Signs of Depression in Teens

• Isolation from peers and family
  
• Lack of self-care; not showering, wearing dirty clothing
• Changes in sleeping patterns; trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite; not eating enough or eating too much
• Sadness and hopelessness
  
• Loss of interest in activities
• Lack of motivation and enthusiasm
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability, anger, hostility
  
• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Thoughts of death and suicide

Depression in males is often expressed in an outward manner through aggression and defiant behaviors. This can be easily misinterpreted as something else, however, if you have a son who's aggressive behavior has increased it would be wise to consider whether depression is a factor.

Untreated depression can lead to:

• Low self-esteem; depression can trigger and intensify feelings of being shame, failure, low self-worth, poor body image.
  
• School problems; poor attendance, falling or failing grades
  
• Drug and alcohol abuse; self-medicate depressed feelings
  
• Promiscuity; attempt to feel wanted and accepted due to feelings of low-self worth
• Gaming/internet addiction; Escape problems by going on-line, increases isolation and fuels depressive thoughts and feelings.
  
• Self-injury; Attempt to regulate/self-soothe depressed emotions and feelings.
• High risk behaviors & Violence (bullying); adrenaline rush to mask depression, gain control and power to mask the hopeless and helpless feelings.

Depression is viewed from a situational standpoint and a chemical-imbalance standpoint. Difficult to tolerate situations such as loss of a loved one, move to a new place/school, social ineptness that leads to isolation from peers, unsuccessful in school (i.e. undiagnosed learning disability or ADHD) can be major contributors to depression. It is believed that depression has a genetic link, so a review of your family history and depression is important to explore and share with a professional if you are concerned about your child's emotional state.

If you are concerned about your child having depression, there are many professional options available to you such as mental health therapists who specialize in teen issues, child and adolescent psychiatrists, school counselors and social workers.

In Colorado, the Second Wind Fund is a resource that provides no-cost counseling to teens (up to 19) who do not have insurance or the funds available for counseling. See your school counselor for information to see if you qualify.