Teenage depression is similar to what adults experience, but the symptoms may manifest in different ways. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the specific signs of depression in teens due to the various social and developmental challenges they face. Depression can lead to high levels of anxiety and stress, affecting the teen’s school performance and personal life and cause the need for mental health treatment from Venture Academy.
Teens are more susceptible to suffering from depression when compared to adults. Because they are dealing with social as well as physical changes as they grow up, teens and adolescents are at higher risk for mental health issues. Further, mental health issues raise the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Therefore, learning the signs of depressions in teens can help address future issues.
Identifying the Signs of Depression in Teens
Initially, the society perceived depression as an adult disorder, but many teenagers have been experiencing it lately, especially in North America. Therefore, understanding the signs is essential to prevent a minor depression from turning into a major one. As a parent or guardian, it is helpful to learn some of the signs of depression to decide when it is time to bring your teen to the Venture Academy.
We will help you to learn about how the condition manifests in teens and how to identify the signs to avoid confusing sadness with depression.
Emotional Signs
The most common emotional signs that a teen with depression exhibit are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness. For many, these emotions often cause frustration or anger, so be cautious when your teen regularly lashes out for no apparent reason.
However, other teens are capable of hiding such emotions from their loved ones, so be on the lookout for irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, and low self-esteem. In some cases, conflict with families and friends may frequently arise.
Behavioural Signs
Parents or guardians must also watch for behavioural changes, such as tiredness, loss of energy, insomnia, appetite changes, substance use, agitation, or restlessness. The behavioural changes usually lead to slowed thinking, social isolation, poor school performance, and less attention to personal hygiene. Some teens may involve themselves in self-harm by cutting or burning their bodies, while others can attempt to commit suicide due to severe depression.
If you detect any of these signs of depression in teens, seek professional help from the Venture Academy.
The Causes of Adolescent Depression
Depression is a real threat that can affect our teens’ lives in all aspects. When seeking treatment, it is essential to establish the cause to prevent the condition from reoccurring. The disorder impacts the way teens think, feel, and behave, which leads to a range of emotional and physical issues.
Peer acceptance is one of the main concerns for teens. When such expectations do not match reality, depression can sprout.
Studies reveal that the most common causes of teen depression include:
- School pressure
- Relationships
- Deficit disorder
- Bullying
- A growing brain
Treatment Options for Teen Depression at Venture Academy
The good news about teenage depression is that it is treatable. And if a teen refuses treatment, family members may seek our assistance to organize a medical intervention. Therapists first conduct a series of tests to establish the conditions your teen has before providing the ideal treatment. Some of the useful therapy programs include:
- Behavioural treatment program
- Electronic addiction treatment
- Residential treatment program
- Boot camp for troubled teens
- School programs and education
- Drug and alcohol treatment program
- A military-style school for troubled teens
Don’t let a teen you love struggle due to depression, yet you can reach out to our therapists for various treatment options to restore the youth’s life. When you notice the signs of depression in teens, act immediately by reaching out to us. Contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 to schedule an appointment.
