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Parent’s Guide to Understanding Signs of Depression in Teens




TEEN DEPRESSION
UNDERSTANDING, TREATMENT & HELP


Teen Depression Diagnosis & Treatment at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital in Marysville, WA

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, our mental health and depression counseling team are committed to providing compassionate support, education, and solutions for local families affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

We also want parents to understand they aren’t alone if they find themselves feeling concerned about their teens’ mental health. One major question many have is: how can I tell if my child is experiencing a case of the normal “moody blues” or struggling with clinical depression?

10 Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression

While many signs and symptoms of depression are similar to those seen in adults, there are a few unique manifestations of depression in adolescents.

Common ones to look out for include:

  1. Sleeping too much or too little. Your teen may complain of feeling tired or being unable to fall or stay asleep.
  2. Social isolation. They may stop hanging out with friends or lose interest in hobbies.
  3. Self-harming behaviors (you may notice unusual cuts or bruises).
  4. Frequent complaints of headaches, back pain, and other unexplained physical symptoms.
  5. Engagement in reckless behaviors, such as skipping school, running away, tobacco, drug or alcohol use, and sexual promiscuity.
  6. Difficulty paying attention and focusing (their grades may suddenly suffer).
  7. Increased feelings of hopelessness, guilt, self-criticism, or anxiousness.
  8. Increased agitation (pacing, wringing of the hands, “can’t sit still”).
  9. Angry outbursts and severe mood fluctuations.
  10. Talk or thoughts about suicide and death.

Recognizing symptoms and signs of teen depression can be challenging, but being able to identify them timely can bridge the gap between struggle and solutions.

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, we offer intensive inpatient care and outpatient services including comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication implementation, individual and group therapy, family counseling, and more—whatever your child needs to succeed, in an environment that supports him or her optimally.

WORRIED ABOUT TEEN DEPRESSION IN YOUR FAMILY? CONTACT OUR DEPRESSION HOTLINE TODAY

Do you believe your teen is feeling suicidal or exhibiting signs of depression? Our experienced team at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is here to help. To connect with us and learn more about our confidential and comprehensive depression counseling services, call us at (360) 651-6400.