Signs Of Depression In 16 Year Old Boy

The Risk Of Suicide In Todays Teens

Any threat of suicide should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, please call 911 immediately.

If you do not live in the U.S., please call your local emergency number. Help is always available. Stay on the phone with the operator and wait for help to arrive.

Remember that other people care. If you are not in immediate danger, but want to talk with someone about your suicidal feelings, you can call the National Hopeline Network for Suicide Prevention at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433. Recognizing the red flags could save a life.

What About Antidepressants

If depression appears to be secondary, the primary problem must be addressed. Therapy is usually helpful. If depression continues to affect your childs daily routine, even with this help, its probably best for your child to take an antidepressant.

Most cases of depression involve a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin. For this reason, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , which raise serotonin levels, are typically the first approach. If an SSRI proves ineffective, a psychiatrist may prescribe a drug that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. If the second medication doesnt work either, the psychiatrist might try one that boosts both serotonin and norepinephrine. Theres no easy way to tell which neurotransmitter is low, so finding the right drug inevitably involves trial and error.

Once on an antidepressant, a youngster will probably have to take it for about six months. If the depression lifts, the medication will be phased out slowly. If the depression stays away, the medication will no longer be necessary. If the depression returns, medication will be tried for another six months.

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How To Talk To Your Teen

Symptoms have many causes and dont necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. However, if your teen begins to exhibit several of these symptoms, make time to talk to him or her about whats happening. When talking with a teen, it is important to:

• Speak calmly and be prepared to listen
• Do not assume your answer is the only answer or even the correct answer
• Try not to use words like always or never
• Avoid sarcasm, threats and yelling
• Dont make personal attacks
• Work with the teen to generate multiple possible solutions without demanding specific outcomes
• Remind the teen that you are in their corner and they are not in this alone

Both teens and parents find the teenage years difficult. The multitude of changes that occur during this developmental stage in life make it difficult to identify when there is a problem, so listen to your instincts as a parent, ask questions and take action if you are concerned.

Early intervention is important as approximately 80% of teenagers who receive treatment for a mood disorder do respond to this treatment. If you need assistance, dont hesitate to reach out to your family doctor, a school counselor or the mental health professionals within your community.

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Depression In Children And Teenagers

Depression doesn’t just affect adults. Children and teenagers can get depressed too.

Almost 1 in 4 young people may experience depression before they are 19.

It’s important to get help early if you think your child may be depressed. The longer it goes on, the more likely it is to disrupt your child’s life and turn into a long-term problem.

Symptoms Of Teen Depression

The signs and symptoms of depression in teens are often different than in adults. Because teen depression often disguises itself as the normal mood swings of puberty or teen angst, it’s often ignored until something serious happens, such as a suicide attempt or risk-taking behavior. Here’s what to look for if you suspect your teen has depression:

• Anger and irritability

The teen years are also a period of physical, emotional, and social upheaval. This alone can cause mood swings and depressed moods. The stress of becoming a young adult can cause bouts of sadness and depression.

Because teen depression can have so many causes and because mood shifts can be so common in teens, parents can have difficulty differentiating between the two. Consult a professional as soon as possible if you suspect depression in your teen.

For parents, this means you should note all depression signs, be aware of your teen’s moods, and discuss your suspicions with your teen’s doctor.

Talk to your teen to learn what could be contributing to their depression. They may be able to give you an answeror they may not know themselves. Either way, talking to your teen will help you keep the lines of communication open while they are working through their depression.

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Why Depression Treatment Might Not Be Working

If your child already is in treatment but it isnt helping, ask them why they think that is. What isnt helpful or what dont they like about therapy? Are there things about therapy they do like? Maybe you can work together to find a therapist who does more of the things they like. If you do consider changing therapists, its important to discuss this with their current therapist before the decision to change is made. Many times, the therapy and/or the therapeutic relationship can be improved.

Keep in mind that therapy usually isnt effective if the person in treatment isnt committed to it, or is doing it to please someone else. Your child should want to get better for themselves. Unfortunately, sometimes people have to get worse before they want help. But the good news is that if you lay the groundwork by strengthening your connection now, theyll be more likely to turn to you for support when theyre finally ready.

Anxiety And Depression In Children: Get The Facts

Many children have fears and worries, and may feel sad and hopeless from time to time. Strong fears may appear at different times during development. For example, toddlers are often very distressed about being away from their parents, even if they are safe and cared for. Although some fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Learn about anxiety and depression in children.

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What Teen Depression Really Feels Like According To A 16

In a recent Huffington Post article, one adolescent lays it all out on the line. She cuts through the exaggeration most teens use to describe their lives and gets serious about the way depression can bring feelings of despair.

Most teens, she wrote, use strong language to describe their day. If it was a bad day, for example, it was the worst day ever. If the day went well, then it was the best day ever. And if teens are feeling good about a friendship with a peer, then he or she is the best friend in the whole world. Yet, this extreme language gets in the way of teens understanding what depression really is.

The author of the article, 16-year old Elise Jamison from Ohio, makes clear that when a teen says that he or she is depressed it might simply be a form of exaggeration. There is nothing more frustrating, she wrote, than someone who says they are clinically depressed because they are feeling sad that day. A teen might feel sad or lost or confused or even simply down that day. But clinical depression is more than that its a feeling of despondency and dejection she writes, using the definition provided by the Mayo Clinic. And its an experience that continues to happen over a period of time. Its not a feeling you experience one day its a chronic experience.

Depression,she wrote, is the dark emptiness you feel that makes you believe you can contribute nothing to anyone or anything. You feel like your life means nothing to anyone.

Getting Your Teen Evaluated

A thorough evaluation by a professional is required to determine if your teen has depression, assess the severity of the problem, and weigh the treatment options.

Schedule an assessment for your teen with a medical doctor or mental health professional who specializes in helping teenagers. Seeing your child’s pediatrician can be a good first step.

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Why Are So Many Teens Depressed

Here are some disturbing statistics about teen depression. According to suicide.org, teen and adolescent suicides have continued to rise dramatically in recent years. Consider these alarming figures:

• Every 100 minutes a teen takes their own life.
• Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.
• About 20 percent of all teens experience depression before they reach adulthood.
• Between 10 to 15 percent suffer from symptoms at any one time.
• Only 30 percent of depressed teens are being treated for it.

Some teens are more at risk for depression and suicide than others. These are known factors:

• Female teens develop depression twice as often than males.
• Abused and neglected teens are especially at risk.
• Adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses or other physical conditions are at risk.
• Teens with a family history of depression or mental illness: between 20 to 50 percent of teens suffering from depression have a family member with depression or some other mental disorder.
• Teens with untreated mental or substance-abuse problems: approximately two-thirds of teens with major depression also battle other mood disorders like dysthymia, anxiety, antisocial behaviors, or substance abuse.
• Young people who experienced trauma or disruptions at home, including divorce and deaths of parents.

Differences In The Brain

Research has shown that the brains of adolescents are structurally different than the brains of adults. Teens with depression can also have hormone differences and different levels of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are key chemicals in the brain that affect how brain cells communicate with one another. They play an important role in regulating moods and behavior.

The neurotransmitters that are important to our understanding of depression are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Low levels of these neurotransmitters may contribute to depression, according to available research.

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Annoying Behavior Isnt Necessarily Depression

As parents of three teenagers, my husband and I find our house is filled with annoying behavior on an almost daily basis. This includes yelling, irritability, anger, and, yes, mood swings. It is often overwhelming. If one child tends to stir the pot more than the others, that may cause you to feel even more concerned. Keep in mind, though, that as long as your child is able to bounce back most days, then their annoying behaviors are probably normal.

If you suspect that your child is depressed, the good news is there are many resources available and depression is treatable. Start with your pediatrician or a mental health provider. If you want to find a mental health provider, a great place to begin your search is Psychology Today. Psychology Today is the leading site on which therapists list their services and you should be able to find many in your area.

How Is Childhood Depression Treated

Treatment options for kids with childhood depression are similar to those for adults. They include psychotherapy and medication. Your child’s doctor may suggest psychotherapy first and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if symptoms are severe or if there is no significant improvement with psychotherapy alone.

The best studies to date indicate that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective method to successfully treat childhood depression.

The FDA warns that antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.

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Teen Depression Ages 13

What is Teen Depression?

Symptoms

• loss of interest in activities, apathy
• reduced pleasure in daily activities
• inability to enjoy activities which used to be sources of pleasure
• change in appetite, usually a loss of appetite but sometimes an increase
• change in weight
• persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• feelings of worthlessness, sadness, or self-hatred
• excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
• acting-out behavior
• thoughts about suicide or obsessive fears or worries about death
• plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempt
• excessively irresponsible behavior pattern

If these symptoms persist for at least two weeks and cause significant distress or difficulty functioning, treatment should be sought.

Treatment

Complications

Teenage suicide is associated with depression as well as many other factors. Depression frequently interferes with school performance and interpersonal relationships. Teens with depression often have other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders. Depression is also commonly associated with violence and reckless behavior. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse frequently coexist with depression. Adolescents with additional psychiatric problems usually require longer and more intensive treatment.

• withdrawal, with urge to be alone, isolation
• giving most cherished possessions to others

NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT!

When Should I Call The Doctor

Call a healthcare provider if your child has any signs of depression or anxiety. If your child is showing signs of suicide, get help right away. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255. This hotline connects you to a national network of local crisis centers for free and confidential emotional support. The centers support people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 911.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

While it may be difficult to watch your child dealing with depression or anxiety, help is available. The right treatment can ensure your child continues to grow and thrive throughout their development. In addition to medical help, you can support your child by making sure they have a healthy environment at home, at school and in the community. Always let your child know they can communicate openly and honestly about their feelings.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/17/2020.

References

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There Are A Number Of Things You Can Do

• Im worried because Ive noticed youve been crying a lot lately.
• Im concerned because it seems that you are feeling angry and unhappy these days.
• Im sad because you dont have much energy to do the things you used to enjoy doing, like hanging out with your friends.
• I worry about your safety when you . . .

What Is Major Depression In Teens

Major depression is a type of mood disorder. Its also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression. There are 3 main types of depression:

• Major depression

• Bipolar disorder

• Persistent depressive disorder

Major depression goes beyond the days normal ups and downs. It involves a teens body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.

Depression is not the same as being unhappy or in a blue mood. It’s also not a sign of personal weakness. It cant be willed or wished away. Teens with depression cant merely pull themselves together and get better. Treatment is often needed.

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How Can I Help My Teen Cope With Depression

Depression can have a profound impact on a persons life and can only compound the difficulties associated with the teenage years.

Teen depression isnt always the easiest condition to spot. However, with proper treatment your teen can get the help they need.

If depression is affecting your teens life, you should seek help from a mental health specialist. The specialist will create a treatment plan specifically for your teen. Its also important that your teen follows that plan.

Other things your teen can do to help manage depression are:

• stay healthy and exercise

How Does Therapy Help Teens Who Are Depressed

Therapy helps teens explore and resolve their depression. In therapy, teens may learn to:

• feel understood and closer to others
• talk about their feelings, thoughts, and events that matter to them
• manage strong emotions and moods
• reduce harmful or risky behaviors
• regain energy and motivation
• improve their emotions, thoughts, and outlook
• learn and practice coping skills
• restore healthy family bonds or boundaries, as needed
• build on their inner strengths
• find hope and healing, increase their joy and optimism

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Helping A Depressed Teen Tip : Encourage Social Connection

Depressed teens tend to withdraw from their friends and the activities they used to enjoy. But isolation only makes depression worse, so do what you can to help your teen reconnect.

Make face time a priority. Set aside time each day to talktime when youre focused totally on your teen, without distractions or trying to multi-task. The simple act of connecting face to face can play a big role in reducing your teens depression. And remember: talking about depression or your teens feelings will not make the situation worse, but your support can make all the difference in their recovery.

Combat social isolation. Do what you can to keep your teen connected to others. Encourage them to go out with friends or invite friends over. Participate in activities that involve other families and give your child an opportunity to meet and connect with other kids.

Try to reduce their social media use. Remind your teen that social media isnt an ideal substitute for face-to-face interactions. Encourage them to turn off their phoneor at least disable notificationswhen socializing in person, focusing on work, or preparing for bed.

Get your teen involved. Suggest activitiessuch as sports, after-school clubs, or an art, dance, or music classthat take advantage of your teens interests and talents. While your teen may lack motivation and interest at first, as they reengage with the world, they should start to feel better and regain their enthusiasm.