How to Detect Depression in Teens

When a teen is depressed, it’s more than just loosing a sports game or getting a bad grade at school. The feeling of emptiness and despair over takes the child putting the teen into depression. When teens are depressed, there is a lack of motivation, a lack of energy to complete goals and the lack of feeling self worth. However, to help your teen or friend to get out of depression, you need to learn the symptoms of depression to save them before it’s too late. However, the goal is to never give up on them. Encouragement is a must.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Sadness or hopelessness are signs of depression. When the teen is in this mood, try to encourage them by telling them how great they are. Remind them of how much you love them. Let them know that they have a whole life ahead of them because they are only in their teens. The main point to bring to the teen is to stay content in whatever state he or she is in until things change.

2. Irritability, anger, or hostility are signs of depression. When the teen is in these moods, they maybe dealing with low self-esteem. When they becomes calm, encourage them. Do not point out what they are doing wrong directly but come to the teen in wisdom. Find out what is bothering them.

3. Tearfulness or frequent crying are signs of depression. In this case, try to find out what is bothering the teen and give him or her lots of love and encouragement.

4. Withdrawal from friends and family is another sign of depression. When the child or young adult is in this mood, family nights are a great way to help him or her come and mingle with the family. Watch his or her favorite movies or TV shows and prepare his or her favorite foods. You are the person who should set the mood for the depressed child. Make them feel wanted.

5. Loss of interest in activities is a sign of depression. If your teen is not active in activities, you should use wisdom in how to give them a boost toward being active. Sometimes a good push can solve this problem especially if you know his or her interest.

6. Thoughts of death or suicide are signs of depression. Talk to your child or friend. Let them know every person has days when life gets to them and the though of ending it all comes to mind. However, let them know that "life is not perfect" and to be content in whatever state they are in.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information about Teen Depression, you can click on the link below.
• If you are a spiritual person, you can try praying fervently believing in your prayers. Prayer does work because "words" are powerful.

Resources

• Teen Depression