Teenagers today face unique mental health challenges that didn’t exist in previous generations. Our fast paced, hyper-connected world can contribute to depression and anxiety in teenagers, with increased social media use linked to increased risk of depression.
Rates of teenage depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide have dramatically increased in Colorado in recent years, with teenagers pointing to pressure from school and online connectivity as contributing causes.
For parents of teenagers, it can be difficult to recognize when their teen is struggling. Depression is often misinterpreted as typical teenage moodiness, leading to delays in getting proper help. If you suspect your teen is struggling, it’s important to be aware of warning signs that could indicate depression or other mental health concerns.
Warning Signs of Depression in Teens
Changes in Sleep Patterns
If your teen is experiencing extreme fatigue, trouble waking up in the morning, difficulty concentrating, or sleeping excessively, it may be a sign of depression. Sudden changes in sleep habits, whether sleeping too much or too little, can signal deeper mental health concerns.
Declining Academic Performance
A sudden drop in grades can indicate that your teen is struggling emotionally. While academic struggles can have multiple causes, such as social issues or substance use, depression and anxiety often impact focus, motivation, and cognitive function.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies
If your teen is no longer interested in activities they once enjoyed—such as sports, music, art, or spending time with friends—this could be a major red flag. Depression often robs individuals of their ability to feel joy and engagement in life.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Depression can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. If your teen suddenly stops showering, changing clothes regularly, or taking care of their appearance, this could be an early warning sign of a deeper issue.
Substance Use
Teens struggling with depression or anxiety may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope. Warning signs of substance use include secretive behavior, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol or smoke on clothing, and noticeable changes in mood or focus.
Extreme Mood Swings & Irritability
While moodiness is common in teenagers, extreme mood swings, persistent irritability, or aggressive behavior may indicate depression or another mental health condition. If your teen’s emotions seem intense and unmanageable across home, school, and social settings, it’s worth looking deeper into the cause.
Changes in Eating Habits or Weight
Sudden weight loss or gain, obsessing over food, or drastic changes in eating habits can signal an eating disorder, depression, or anxiety. If you notice these signs, it’s important to seek professional guidance.
Withdrawal from Friends & Family
If your teen is isolating themselves, avoiding social interactions, and spending more time alone, this could be a sign that they are struggling with depression, self-esteem issues, or social anxiety.
Low Self-Esteem & Hopelessness
Teens with depression often express feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. If your child frequently makes negative comments about themselves or their future, it’s crucial to take their words seriously, as hopelessness can be linked to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Signs of Self-Harm
Self-harm is often a way for teens to cope with emotional pain. Warning signs include unexplained cuts or burns, wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather, and finding bloodstains or sharp objects in their belongings.
How to Support a Teen with Depression
If you notice multiple warning signs in your teen, the first step is to seek a professional evaluation. While a primary care doctor can assess general mental health concerns, a psychiatrist or mental health specialist can provide a more thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
A treatment plan for teen depression may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, antidepressant medication. However, for teens who have not found relief through traditional treatments, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is now an excellent option for treating depression in teenagers.
How TMS Can Help Teens Overcome Depression
TMS is an FDA-approved, non-medication treatment for depression that stimulates specific areas of the brain to improve mood regulation. It has been used successfully in adults for over 15 years, and as of March 2024, it is now approved for teenagers ages 15 and older.
Many families are choosing TMS to treat depression in their teenage children because it provides a drug-free approach to treating depression. Teenagers especially can be reluctant to take antidepressants because of the way it makes them feel or because of unwelcome side effects. Teenagers are also notoriously prone to forget to take their medications as prescribed!
TMS is an in-office treatment that doesn’t require any medication at all, making it an easier solution for many teenagers and their families.
Colorado Recovery Solutions is your local TMS clinic in Colorado Springs and Monument. We have deep expertise in diagnosing and treating depression in teenagers, including treating with TMS, where warranted. If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, we would be happy to conduct a thorough evaluation and screening. Based on the findings, we can discuss treatment options that fit your needs.
