Depression in teens can look different than depression in adults, and if you’re the parent of a teenager, it can be helpful to know the signs. Here’s an excerpt from an article on the subject from Kentucky.com that we thought was worth sharing. We hope you’ll read it and click through using the link below to read the full article. And if you’re in the greater Cleveland area and recognize your child or someone you love, remember that we’re here.
Adolescence is a time of transitions. Increasing independence, maturity, and hormonal changes may predispose teenagers to occasional mood and impulse fluctuations. However, some teenagers experience more than just normal mood changes and are clinically depressed.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, about 5 percent of children and adolescents may have depression at any given time.
Depression in both adolescents and adults can manifest with complaints of sadness and crying.
In contrast to adults with depression, however, adolescents also can complain of being “bored” or not enjoying activities that they used to enjoy. They may begin to draw away from friends and family or isolate themselves increasingly in their room.
Since teenagers with depression may not complain of being “sad,” sometimes their behavior is confusing to school, peers, and family.
Parents may notice irritability and anger. Some teens take long naps, others have trouble falling asleep. Some lose their appetite while others eat excessively.