One of the most common times for people to suffer from depression is during their teenage years. Whether a child is the victim of bullying or struggling to understand where they fit in, it can be easy for their mood and behavior to be affected by the condition of their mental health. On World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to know how to determine if your child suffers from depression.
Withdrawing From People
Although it’s normal for teens to want time away from everyone as they become more independent, it’s not common for them to become completely isolated from the rest of the world. The teenage years are when they’re most social, which is why it can be unusual if they retreat to their room for several hours each day. You may notice that they no longer make an effort to talk to other family members in the home and don’t interact with friends.
Depression can take away their enthusiasm for maintaining their relationships. It will often cause them to want to be alone because they may not know how to cope with their pain. With the help of a mental health counselor for teens, it can be easier to help them open up and find solutions for what they’re experiencing. On World Mental Health Day, you can find additional resources that are available in the local community and on the internet to find solutions to help your teen.
Reckless Behavior
Depressed teens are prone to rebellion and can act recklessly as a way of dealing with their feelings. They may engage in sexual activity or participate in drug use to cover up the depression. Others may drive at high speeds or begin to binge drink, making it necessary to get to the root of their issues to prevent them from putting themselves and others at risk. They may also become involved in physical fights or violence at school.
Poor Academic Performance
One of the most common signs of depression in both teenagers and adults is a lack of motivation. If teens are struggling with mental health, it can cause them to not care about how well they do in school. You may notice that they have a sudden drop in grades and are getting behind in many of their classes. Talk to their teachers to find out if they’ve also noticed any changes in your child.
It’s also important to remember that depression can make it difficult to concentrate in school, which is why your teen may no longer be performing well.
Obsession With Death or Dying
It can be easy for teens to go through a dark stage in their lives when they’re suffering from depression, which can result in a preoccupation with death and dying. Pay attention to their interests to determine if they may be feeding themselves with negativity. Your teen may enjoy watching movies about death or even reading books about the subject. You may also notice that they write about death a lot, whether on their social media accounts, a personal blog, or in a journal. In severe cases, they may threaten to end their life. It’s vital to contact a professional immediately and obtain help to help your child recover and prevent them from being at risk of hurting themselves or other people.
Weight Loss
Depression can make it challenging to have the motivation to eat, which can result in significant weight loss in your teen. It’s essential to take a close look at their eating habits and diets to determine if they’re consuming enough calories or have had a change in what they eat. Their clothes may become too loose, or their development can become delayed if they’re failing to eat three meals each day.
Help for Your Teen on World Mental Health Day and Every Day
If you have a child that is currently suffering from mental illness, contact us today at 866.762.2211. You can schedule an appointment and also learn more about the services that are available here at Venture Academy.
