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Health & Fitness

Teen Depression: Not just Mood Swings

The numbers are surprising, and concerning. One in five Teens will experience depression. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death people ages 15-24.

The numbers are surprising and concerning. One in five teens will experience depression. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death people ages 15-24. research shows that if depression is left untreated, there is a strong liklihood that it will occur again, usually within five to seven years.

As a therapist, I can tell you that one of the hardest parts of treating teen depression is getting parents to take their children's feelings seriously. Teen depression is not "normal", or a rite of passage and it's so much more than just mood swings. Depression is a medical condition that often presents in various ways, especially in young people.

Symptoms of depression include:

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  • Feelings of Sadness, which can include bouts of crying
  • Sleep disturbances: sleeping too much or too little
  • Irritability, frustration, anger
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-criticism
  • Loss of interest in friends and once pleasurable activities
  • Sudden weight loss, or weight gain
  • Non-specific physical complaints (headaches, stomach or body aches)
  • Neglected physical appearance
  • Self-Harm, such as cutting or burning themselves
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

While there is no such thing as a "typical" depressed teen, in my practice I often see adolescents who are feeling sad and are acting out their feelings through irritability with parents, withdrawing from friends and showing a lack of focus in school.

If these symptoms sound familiar, finding help for your teen should be your next step. Contact your child's doctor and a mental health professional who specializes in working with adolescent depression.

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