Did you know that an estimated 4.1 million teenagers aged between 12 and 17 in the United States experienced at least one severe depressive episode, according to a study?
Investigators conducted another study concerning some of the challenges that kids encounter daily. Approximately six out of ten teenagers reported feeling great pressure to earn excellent grades. In contrast, nearly three out of ten reported feeling significant pressure to look attractive.
With a rising number of teenagers worldwide experiencing mental health concerns such as depression, parents must recognize indicators of depression in their teens early on. We have compiled a list of the common signs of depression in teens that you should never ignore with the assistance of the top virtual doctor for depression.
8 Signs of Depression in Teenagers
When teenagers are depressed, they may exhibit a few signs through their behavior. If parents or loved ones can distinguish these behavioral changes, they can prevent the condition from worsening. Here are a few common signs of depression in teenagers, according to expert doctors online, that parents should never ignore:
- Feelings of Sadness
Although feeling sad on occasion is common and everyone experiences it, if parents observe their teens exhibiting signs of sadness daily, they should not ignore it. Feelings of sadness can include teenagers not getting out of bed and wanting to do the activities they used to enjoy.
Occasional crying spells where teens do not know why they are crying can also be alarming symptoms parents who suspect their teens are depressed must look out for.
- Issues at School
Many teens who are depressed may also have increasing problems at school, including behavioral issues or missing classes. Depression can also cause teenagers to lose interest in studies and negatively impact their performance in school.
Therefore, if a teenager who used to perform well in school has suddenly developed a few behavioral changes and a drop in their academic performance, parents should consider seeking help.
- Reckless Behavior
Depressed teenagers may also display a cry for help by engaging in inappropriate and risky behavior. Individuals who are depressed may be unable to think clearly or distinguish between right and wrong. Therefore, if your teen has shown rising indicators of reckless conduct such as drinking and driving, cheating in school, and missing classes, you should consider depression as a possible cause and seek treatment.
- Violence
A depressed person is like a ticking bomb, and since they are experiencing so many distressing emotions, they may become angry, irritated, and aggressive.
If your teen has been getting into physical fights with their friends or siblings, it may be time to consider getting them help before things get out of hand. According to several studies, boys who have been bullied may show signs of violence. Therefore, such behavioral changes should never be taken lightly.
- Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is one of the most common symptoms of depression in teenagers, especially young females. Depression is known to worsen feelings of low self-esteem in teens and enhance feelings of ugliness, unworthiness or shame.
Some teenagers may also develop eating disorders due to such issues. Therefore, getting teens treatment as early as possible is critical to ensure they stay healthy mentally and physically.
- Suicidal Behavior
Suicidal behavior is one of the most dangerous symptoms of depression in teens, and it typically occurs when a kid suffers from severe depression. Suicidal behavior includes suicide attempts, cutting, and a wish to die. If you observe any of these alarming symptoms in your teen, an urgent visit to the doctor is required to ensure your teen does not hurt themselves.
- Memory Loss and Difficulty Concentrating
Memory loss and issues concentrating are common symptoms of depression. When an individual is depressed, their ability to think, concentrate on daily tasks, or memorize things gets negatively impacted. Hence, depressed teens may have trouble memorizing or concentrating on their studies.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Many individuals who are depressed seek refuge in drug or alcohol consumption since these habits may allow them to escape their thoughts or fall asleep. Unfortunately, alcohol and drug consumption and depression do not go well together and can worsen your teen’s symptoms. If your teen is showing signs of depression and coming home drugged or drunk, getting them immediate help is critical.
Final Verdict
Depression is a common illness in teenagers. Fortunately, treatment is available. Parents who notice symptoms like low self-esteem, violent behavior, issues at school, feelings of sadness, or suicidal behavior must never ignore them and get their teenagers to help immediately by booking online doctor consultation services.
Teens who experience depression may not want to leave their homes. Virtual doctors for depression can allow your teen to get help in the comfort of their homes.
