How to recognize symptoms of depression in teenagers

Depression is one of the leading psychological illnesses today, especially in adolescents. Although, only half the teenagers suffering from depression are diagnosed before reaching adulthood, they are particularly vulnerable to depression. Depressive feelings are intrinsically connected with the main function of adolescence: “The search for one’s identity”. Adolescents frequently agonize over defining themselves socially in terms of external image, physical strength, likability, uniqueness, and intellectual ability. The aforementioned perpetual struggle is prominent during this developmental stage as teenagers are characterized by the “obsession” to be recognized and validated by their peers.

The internal struggle for a unique place in their social groups can often lead to the development of symptoms of depression. Depression is a mental illness that has been on the rise since 2010. Nearly 23% of all teenagers have suffered some form of depression by the time they reach adulthood. This could also be a result of increased awareness that leads to a tendency to over-diagnose the condition. Although, the increase in the diagnosis of mental illnesses has been attributed to several factors (i.e. increasing academic pressure, economic recession, and growing technology) the social media constitute one of the clearest links to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.

We all want our children to thrive. We want them to be safe, healthy, and happy. Yet today’s technologically embedded world seems to have facilitated a disconnect between parents and their teens. One of the consequences of the aforementioned emotional and intellectual disconnect is that teenagers are not confiding in their parents as much, but instead they are confiding in other possibly “unreliable” sources. Whilst seeking guidance online and confiding in peers might be a readily available strategy, the online world is a minefield full of individuals with malicious intents, mentally unstable adults with predatory behaviors, and other emotionally challenged teenagers. Hence, the advice offered online can be dangerous for the already troubled, insecure adolescent.

As a result, the combination of rising depression rates and online social networks constitutes the recognition of depressive symptoms in teenagers crucial; as an early diagnosis and treatment can save the young adolescents.

The most prominent symptoms to watch out for include social withdrawal, a prevailing sad mood, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite/weight, and loss of self-esteem. Additionally, self-depreciation/self-hatred is one of the strongest symptoms of depression in teenagers. Hence, it is important for parents to ensure they do not reinforce this dysfunctional thought patterns through their own negative comments of criticism. Parents are advised to focus on creating a positive and supportive environment that encourages their children to open up their hearts and share their troubles. The resulting increased communication with the parents will raise feelings of acceptance and reduce the perception of isolation and rejection that teenagers are overwhelmed by.

Moreover, the unhealthy increase in screen time and detrimental decrease in physical activity have also contributed in the prevalence of depression amongst teenagers. As screen time increased, depression also increased; whilst physical activity decreased. The age of 13-years-old has been found to be the most receptive to interventions. 13-years-old teenagers appear to be more receptive to the suggested increase in physical activity which frequently leads to the successful interruption of the aforementioned cycle (i.e. the unhealthy increase in screen time and the detrimental decrease in physical activity lead to depression amongst teenagers).

Another important symptom of depression is unhealthy diet patterns. Untimely snacking and skipping meals are a good indicator for the onset of depression, or an eating disorder that can be a consequence of the depressive symptoms. Children who are underweight, obese, or eat out have been flagged to be more susceptible to depression. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet at home in order to encourage overall well-being and provide teenagers with the appropriate nourishment for their brain and body. The food they consume constitutes the building blocks of their body, bone structure, blood, and their brain; which are still evolving and developing. Research has shown that food void of the necessary nutrients and loaded with harmful chemical substances can negatively affect the growing brain, the hormonal balance and the physical health of young adolescents.

Finally, the gradual decrease of stigma around mental illnesses has allowed people to open up about their challenging life stories, receive the appropriate support, and more importantly realize they’re not alone in their struggle. Parents are often overwhelmed by the emotional challenges, or rebellion of their teenage children, which can create a tendency to ignore the depressive symptoms. However, parental denial of the threatening symptoms of depression will obstruct the lifesaving early diagnosis and treatment. Hence, it will be more beneficial to be vigilant to possible signs of teenage depression than risk the emotional and physical health of our children. Counseling can resolve such symptoms of clinical depression as well as reinforce stronger emotional bonds amongst all family members.

Works Cited
Katie E.Gunnell, Martine F. Flament, Annick Buchholz, Katherine A. Henderson, Nicole Obeid, Nicholas Schubert & Gary S. Goldfield (2016). Examining the bidirectional relationship between physical activity, screen time, and symptoms of anxiety and depression over time during adolescence, Journal of Preventive Medicine, 88, 147-152, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.04.002
McLaughlin, K.A. & King, K. J Abnorm Child Psychol (2015) 43: 311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-014-9898-1
Michael C. Mullarkey, Igor Marchetti & Christopher G. Beevers (2019) Using Network Analysis to Identify Central Symptoms of Adolescent Depression, Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 48:4, 656-668, DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2018.1437735
Rachel A. Zuckerbrot, Amy Cheung, Peter S. Jensen, Ruth E.K. Stein, Danielle Laraque, (2018) Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part I. Practice Preparation, Identification, Assessment, and Initial Management GLAD-PC STEERING GROUP, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-4081
Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702617723376

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