Teen Depression Resource

The teenage years are the years during which it is difficult to tell, whether a child is suffering from depression or not.  Mainly because ones behavior during their teens, is typically filled with unpredictable behavior. And it is this that can be very easily misconstrued to be. Symptoms that showcase depression in its early stages are development of strong, swinging moods coupled with sadness and displaying of a lot of disinterest. These traits are very similar to those stages that teens go through when they grow up between the age of 10 or so all the way upto 18 - 19.

With the changes that have taken place over the years, the added pressures that any teen would face growing, in the world today has grown by a tremendous amount.  The pressures, the tension and the expectations have increased to an almost insane level. Taking all this into consideration, the growth of a child amongst all this is, bound to produce behavior of this sort.  Hence the same rules may not apply. Judging a child to be showing signs of depression, when actually he or she, is just growing up, like they should, is not a fair or right assessment.

But to be safe, there is a way that you can distinguish your young ones rebellious ways from the signs of a growing depression. If the young teen shows the following modes of behavior, then you can safely say that he or she, is depressed. When they show the following signs, you should have reasons to worry that they have more than normal adolescent issues.

1.  When they are less enthusiastic about doing most things
2.  When they lack proper self – esteem
3.  When you see long periods of constant sorrow, coupled with frequent periods of crying
4.  When they get over defensive in response to correction
5.  When they show a flared up temper at times when one would not get angry
6.  When they make an extreme change with their daily eating and sleeping routines either cutting it down by a lot or doing too much of it
7. When they don’t feel comfortable around well known loved ones and they shy away from such people
8. When they feel sorry for themselves about the way they are

If the young teen is displaying behaviors which can be described partially or fully - described by the above examples, then he/she is depressed.  The depressed teenager will have to be given help but while she/he is on the way to recovery, the people from whom they have been getting support from, has to be gentle with them. The change will be made, over time. And until that time arrives, its best to tip-toe and handle your teen with care.