Adolescent Depression
It's important to recognize when a teenager is being a "teenager," and when a teenager is depressed. Most adolescents typically
go through periods of moodiness and sadness. However, when those feelings persist and become more extreme, parents should
be concerned.
Here are the most common symptoms of adolescent depression:
- Avoiding friends and family; spending a lot of time alone
- Decline in school work or lower grades on report card
- Not enjoying favorite activities
- Crying often
- Feeling like a failure
- Sleeping difficulties - too much or too little
- Antisocial behavior; acting aggressively
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Difficulty paying attention; distracted
- Feeling bored frequently
- Acting irritable
- Thoughts of suicide or death wishes
