PIC Current

by Alexis Cala, PIC Current Assistant Producer

Courtesy of GotPlaid?

The teenage years are difficult for everyone. However there is a line between terrible teens and a serious problem like depression.

Depression is a strong mood that lasts for weeks or  longer and is easy to miss in an already unpredictable teenager. While adults can find help on their own, a teen may not know help is available. 

Teens rely on their parents, teachers, friends, and others to recognize the signs and answer their cries for help. Untreated depression can cause long-term problems or lead to suicide in severe cases.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 1 in 12 teens experience depression. Only 20% of them ever receive treatment. Recognizing the difference between a teenage phase and a red flag can get your teen the help they need.

How do I know if my teen is just moody or if there is a bigger problem?

Depression may not look the same for everyone. An angry teen is not necessarily depressed. If your child shows four or more of these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, they may be suffering from depression:

• Irritable mood
• Angry outbursts or violent behavior
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-injury
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Withdrawing from some, but not all people

Some of us are more likely than others to get depressed.

• Genetics: Genes can play a part, but not everyone with a history of depression in their family is depressed. Also, some get depression with little or no history of it in other family members.
• Difficult Events: Death, divorce, moving, changing schools, etc. these can push teens, as well as adults, into depression.
• Family and Social Life: Negative, stressful living situations such as poverty, homelessness, and violence can often lead to depression.
• Medical Conditions: Undiagnosed learning disabilities, hormonal changes, and physical illness can all cause depression.
• Substance use and abuse: Preventing your teen from using drugs or alcohol can help their developing body and mind stay happy and healthy.

News Week reports that:

Experts agree that irritability and moodiness that keep a teenager from functioning normally for more than two weeks should be clear red flags. Ditto for withdrawal from activities and social isolation from friends. Other warning signs parents should look for are substance abuse, which is often a form of self-medication, and cutting, or self-injury, which can be a precursor to suicide.”

While it is often kept secret, about 2 million people are self-injurers.

People of both sexes, all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, and professions may cope through self-injury.

Common forms of self-injury include: cutting of the skin, embedding, burning, bruising, hair pulling, breaking bones, or swallowing toxic substances. Self injury is often a form of distraction from the real pain that is going on inside. Through treatment, teens can determine the root of the problem and begin to develop healthier coping methods.

What to do if your concerned there is a problem:

Talk to your teenager! It may feel like pulling teeth, but knowing what’s going on in your kids life can help both of you. SAMHSA’s Family Guide offers information about teen depression as well as conversation starters. You can also check out Helping Your Children Navigate Their Teenage Years: A Guide For Parents for more suggestions and information.

Depression and self-injury can be treated. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can all help teens manage their depression. Talking to your doctor or a specialist can help your teen get the treatment they need.

Our sister site The Beehive, also offers information and resources about depression.

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