Being a teenager today comes with significant challenges: academic pressure, peer pressure, social media, feelings of inadequacy and emotional and hormonal changes.

It comes as no surprise that up to 15% of children and adolescents struggle with depression. Because many teens are moody and withdrawn at times, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish “typical teenage angst” from clinical depression. Looking for changes in behaviour that are markedly different from your teens normal functioning can help.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry released a set of guidelines to help you determine if your teenager is suffering from depression. These include:

  • appearing sad, irritable, or tearful
  • changes in appetite or weight
  • a decreased interest in activities your teen once found pleasurable
  • a decrease in energy
  • difficulty concentrating
  • feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • major changes in sleeping habits
  • regular complaints of boredom
  • talk of suicide
  • withdrawal from friends or after-school activities
  • worsening school performance

Treating depression is not a “one size fits all” approach as there are different causes and severity of symptoms. Some of the most common and effective treatments include medication (SSRI’s, SNRI’s, Tricyclic Antidepressants etc.), therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), changes in diet and exercise, and improved sleep hygiene.

If you are concerned your teen is suffering from depression, try to bring up your concerns in a non-judgmental way. Let them know what you’ve observed and be ready to listen. Be patient as your teen may not be ready to open up right away. When they eventually do, it is important to validate their feelings rather than minimize them. Make sure they feel understood and supported. Communicate to them that you are ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

Alter, Stuckler & Associates are a team of registered psychologists and a social worker that provide compassionate psychological care. We have provided service to individuals, couples and families from Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and throughout the Greater Toronto Area for more than 30 years. Have a question for our team? Contact us today.