How to Recognize and Address Teenage Depression: A Parent’s Guide

Understanding Teen Depression: Symptoms and Causes

Unfortunately, because teenage hood is already associated with strong emotions and moodiness, it can be difficult for teens with low self-esteem to reach out. That’s where your love, guidance, and support can go a long way. Here are some key insights about the causes and symptoms of teen depression:

Teen Depression Symptoms & Signs

• Persistent negative moods: Crying over a breakup is one thing, but if your teen shows signs of consistent sadness, anger, frustration, and irritability, it may be time to reach out.
• Poor school performance: Depression impacts focus and energy levels, making it difficult for depressed teens to prioritize their schoolwork. If you notice attendance or grades slipping, it may be a sign of worsening symptoms.
  
• Withdrawing from interests: If your teen starts distancing themselves from friends or showing no interest in activities (sports, clubs, etc.), this lack of enthusiasm and desire to isolate may come from depression.
• Substance abuse: While experimentation in your teen years is normal, depressed teens often rely on escapism that leads to drug and alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, these addictions only make the situation worse, as they can lead to further irrational behavior.
• Running away: Often one of the biggest cries for help in a teen’s life, running away is a clear sign that something needs to change.
• Low self-esteem: Depression often triggers intense feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness. This bombardment of negative thoughts can lead teens to doubt their capabilities, or much worse.
• Self harm: When negative thoughts and a lack of change become overwhelming, many teens may resort to self-harm. If you notice signs of self-harm, or if you’re a teen struggling, resources like Crisis Text Line can help. We also recommend reaching out to a professional psychologist.
• Reckless behavior: Depressed teens lose their sense of care for themselves, causing them to end up in or seek out dangerous people and situations. For boys, this reckless behavior often manifests as violence, while girls may put themselves in increasingly vulnerable situations (parties, hanging out with older men, etc.)
  
• Physical health problems: From an upset stomach to eating and sleeping habit changes, depression can also cause physical health concerns. You should reach out if you notice them eating or sleeping too much or too little.
  

What Causes Teen Depression?

• Genetics: Always be aware of your family history, as high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns may mean your teen is at increased risk.
  
• Environmental Stressors: The environment plays a huge role in your child’s mental health, as bullying, academic expectations, and family conflicts can also trigger depression.
• PTSD: Even if some environmental factors are long in the past, including physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one, these issues can still cause intense feelings of depression years later.
  
• Biological Factors: Hormonal imbalances and brain chemistry changes during puberty can impact mood regulation.
• Social Influences: Peer pressure, social media comparison, and cyberbullying can negatively affect self-esteem and emotional well-being.
  

Why Has There Been an Increase in Depressed Teens?

How You Can Help Improve Your Teen’s Mental Health

Empathy: Understand Their Experience

• Just listen: As a parent, part of you will always want an immediate fix for your child. However, sometimes your teen just needs to be heard. Take the time to listen, and validate your teen’s feelings after they’re willing to share.

• Avoid minimizing: What may seem small to you could feel overwhelming to your teen. Never tell them their struggles aren’t a big deal, and instead ask them questions about how they feel.
  
• Share your experience (when appropriate): In the context of relating to your teen, rather than giving advice, sharing your own relevant experiences can help normalize emotions and show support.

• Encourage self-care: While criticism has its place, teens with depression need to learn how to be kind to themselves, rather than overly critical.

Communication: Create a Safe Space to Speak

• Have casual, low-pressure conversations: If you know school is a point of contention, don’t lead the conversation by sitting down at the table to talk about it! Such an experience can be intimidating for teens. Instead, utilize casual moments in the car or during daily activities to have a chat.
  
• Use open-ended questions: Teens are undergoing massive changes, so don’t assume you know everything that’s going on in their life. Open-ended questions are a great way to learn about your teen without assuming or pressuring. For instance, as “What’s been on your mind lately?” rather than “are you okay?”

• Watch your tone and body language: With elevated hormone levels, teens often struggle with extreme sensitivity. To have a productive conversation, avoid letting frustration or judgment show through your words.
  
• Be patient: Your teen may not open up right away, but knowing you’re available and approachable makes a huge difference.
  

Prioritization: Help Manage Stress

• Balance responsibilities with downtime: If your teen has mentioned feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities or is backing out of them, you should encourage a structured routine that supports free-time. Balancing schoolwork, socializing, and relaxing is essential for preventing burnout.
• Support healthy habits: Physical and mental health are deeply connected, meaning it’s a good idea to prioritize your teen’s sleep, healthy meals, and physical activity. Doing so has a direct impact on both mood and focus.
  
• Encourage meaningful connections: Keep an eye on your teen’s relationships and help them build supportive friendships. Consider signing them up for a sports team or club, as these face-to-face interactions are better for their mental health than excessive screen time.

• Teach stress management: Introduce techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or creative outlets to help them cope with academic pressure and personal challenges. A mental health professional can provide essential techniques.
  

Redirection: Guide Them Toward Positive Outlets

• Encourage passions: Depressed teens don’t know what to do with themselves, leading them to seek out unhealthy coping mechanisms. However, introducing them to healthy outlets like art, music, or sports can all help relieve stress.
• Promote physical activity: Regular exercise helps release mood-boosting endorphins, so ask your teen about sports and other physical activities they’d be willing to try.
  
• Introduce mindfulness techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help with emotional regulation. A licensed mental health professional can provide detailed recommendations.
  
• Limit screen time: Excessive social media use can contribute to anxiety and self-esteem issues. Set limits for the amount of time spend on devices and encourage other activities when devices aren’t in use.

Participation

• Show up to their activities: Sure, the economy is tough, but taking the time to attend games, performances, or school events is vital for building trust and showing you care.
• Do things together: Use open-ended questions to pinpoint common interests, whether it’s cooking, gaming, or watching a favorite show. Even if you don’t share your teen’s passions, taking the time to participate in their interests is essential.

• Respect their independence: Give them space while still being available when they need guidance. This means appropriate rules and regulations that keep them save without invading their privacy.

• Check in regularly: Even a simple “How’s your day going?” can make a big difference.
  

When To Seek Professional Help

Part of addressing teen depression is recognizing when professional health is crucial for everyone’s safety and well-being. If your teen is exhibiting signs of self harm, suicidal thoughts, extreme mood swings, or dangerous behavior—including violence toward themselves or others—it’s time to seek support.

Luckily, family psychologists are experts in helping teens and their families navigate the challenges that come with depression. Personalized therapy sessions can address emotional struggles, improve communication, and help them develop health coping strategies. Plus, family psychologists work with both teens and parents, helping everyone foster healing and understanding toward family members.

The result: your family will be able to work through conflict, manage stress, and maintain healthy relationships that contribute to long-term emotional well-being.

Get help for a suicidal teen

The Role of Medication in Treating Teen Depression

• When is medication recommended? – When depression symptoms remain or worsen during treatment, or depression continues to severely impact daily life, a psychiatrist may suggest medication as part of a broader treatment plan.
• Potential risks and side effects – Antidepressants are especially risky for teens, potentially increasing suicidal thoughts and reckless behaviors within the first two months of treatment. Family medical history also plays a role, so be sure to inform your doctor of any prevalent physical or mental illness.
  
• Common types of medication – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly prescribed for teens. They work by balancing brain chemicals to reduce depressive symptoms, but they should always be used under medical supervision.

Connect Your Teen With a Licensed Mental Health Professional at FPSCA

At Family Psychological Services, we’re here to listen, support, and guide your child as they learn how to cope with symptoms of depression. Our team of certified professionals have extensive experience working with teens who struggle with a variety of challenges, ensuring they feel comfortable to express themselves.