Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 51 complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent. Signs and symptoms of depression in teens • Sadness or hopelessness • Irritability, anger, or hostility • Tearfulness or frequent crying • Withdrawal from friends and family • Loss of interest in activities • Changes in eating and sleeping habits • Restlessness and agitation • Feelings of worthlessness and guilt • Lack of enthusiasm and motivation • Fatigue or lack of energy • Difficulty concentrating • Thoughts of death or suicide If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem. The difference between teenage and adult depression Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:• Irritable or angry mood – As noted above, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts. •Unexplained aches and pains – Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomach-aches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression. •Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.” •Withdrawing from some, but not all people – While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd. Effects of teen depression The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” or “act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain: •Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student. •Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help. ► TEEN DEPRESSION: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
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