With the holidays approaching, many people may experience depression. Not only does this time of the year cause seasonal depression, but some people struggle to feel joyful during the winter. Although many people find the holidays to be a time of excitement and happiness, this isn’t the case for everyone. It is especially concerning when there is evidence of depression in teens. Teenagers suffering from depression could have more exacerbated symptoms around the holidays, making them prone to other risky behaviours.
Signs of Depression in Teens
How will you know if your teen is at risk? Learn more about three signs of depression in teens during the holidays and reach out for help today.
1. Isolation
The holidays are typically a time when we all gather together and make memories. During the holiday season, friends, family, and loved ones share meals, exchange gifts, decorate, enjoy music and movies, and much more. However, one of the signs of depression in your teen is that they won’t want to partake in any of the festive activities. In fact, they may want to isolate themselves from everyone and hideaway. Unfortunately, this could increase their feelings of depression. Depression in teens is a difficult challenge during the holidays.
2. Eating or Sleeping Disturbances
One big part of the festivities during the holidays is eating. People often plan for large meals with extended families, and they prepare cookies, pies, and other goodies to enjoy. However, when depression is present in teens, they don’t seem to have much of an appetite. On the other hand, some teens with depression will overeat. You may find them snacking and nibbling the entire day.
Sleep disturbances are another problem that often stems from depression in teens. Usually, this manifests as sleeping too much. Your teen may show signs of fatigue and a lack of energy, too.
3. Substance Use
Another sign of depression in teens is the use of drugs or alcohol. When feeling depressed, teens may attempt to self-medicate to feel better. By using a substance to eliminate the depressed feelings, they are creating another problem, namely substance use. Your teen probably won’t tell you they are using substances as a way to self-medicate, but you may notice changes in their behaviour. They may act evasively about what they’re doing or act in an unusual manner. You also might notice that they are going through their money more quickly with nothing to show for it.
Find Help for Depression in Teens
At Venture Academy, your loved one can start the journey to healing from depression and find a future filled with hope. We provide a range of mental health programs and treatments to assist your teen, so they can be successful in the future. Don’t let your teen continue living with depression when they can find the help they need from professional therapists.
Venture Academy is an evidence-based treatment facility that provides several therapy modules specifically geared toward teens who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. If your teen has started using a substance in addition to being depressed, then getting help promptly is vital.
Contact Venture Academy Today
Take the first step in helping them by contacting an intake coordinator. Our comprehensive treatment center has a wide range of programs to meet your teen’s needs. Some of the different treatment programs we offer include:
- 30-day assessment and intervention treatment program
- Behavioural treatment program
- Drug and alcohol treatment program
- Electronic addiction treatment program
- Residential treatment programs for troubled teens
Don’t wait until your teen is in a riskier situation. Seek the necessary treatment today. Your loved one can find help for depression by reaching out to a quality rehab centre. They won’t be alone because compassionate caretakers will walk with them every step of the way. Contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 for more details.
