Teenage Depression Symptoms: Know What to Look For
This teen guide is for every parent, caregiver, and educator asking the right questions:
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Why is my teen always angry or withdrawn?
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Why are they sleeping so much—or not at all?
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Could this be more than just mood swings or growing pains?
Teenage years are full of pressure, growth, expectations, and confusion. Even the most confident child can begin to unravel under the weight of it all.
“Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby — awkwardly, and often with a great deal of mess.”
— Lemony Snicket
It’s okay to feel afraid. But facing your fears is the first step toward helping your child.
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling with Depression
These symptoms may appear gradually—or all at once. Be alert, and be present.
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Sudden or frequent anger outbursts, irritability
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Low energy, constant fatigue
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Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy
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Sleep issues — either oversleeping or insomnia
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Anxiety symptoms — including tension, stomach issues, nail biting, forgetfulness
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Persistent sadness or emotional withdrawal
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Unexplained physical pain with no clear cause
Understanding How Depression Manifests in Teens
What might look like “just a phase” could be something deeper.
Yes, teens are moody—but clinical depression is very real and increasingly common among adolescents today.
Medical professionals now recognize that teenagers are susceptible to mental health disorders like never before. That’s why awareness campaigns, treatment resources, and mental health screenings are growing.
If your teen is showing multiple signs of depression, don’t dismiss or delay action. Early recognition and support can make all the difference.
Your Support Makes the Difference
If your child is struggling:
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Be present
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Say “I love you” often, even if they don’t seem to hear it
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Don’t take their anger personally
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Work together as a family
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Seek professional guidance — a pediatrician or counselor can help you begin
Remember: Ignoring the signs only makes things worse.
Your love, patience, and awareness could help save your child’s life.
Thanks for sharing this important information!
It starts with teens and the many problems they have to go through. I was so secluded when I was a teenager that looking back I think I was depressed. Teens need more peer groups that they can feel a part of so they can have someone to talk to at all times.
Kita, Glad you like and yes more peer groups. I was with a friend at the Caribbean American Movers & Shaker these young ladies “Phoenix-GRIE” ( Facebook )a peer group exclusive ….They are confident, smart and Parents are involved. Located here in Atlanta Georgia.
Such important information for any parent. Great to list out the symptoms so parents can see if there is a change in their child’s behavior.
Great info, thanks for sharing! People tend to brush off teen attitudes to hormones, but it’s really great to know how to pick up on the signs of depression.
Great resource for young folks that deal with depression! Thanks for sharing the meaning.
Good info. Thank you for sharing. It is always important to see signs.
Thanks for the great resource on teenage depression, it’s an important issue that we have to look out for in our teens.
Thanks for sharing Patrice, so much to keep in mind as our children grow into their own person…
This is so necessary, with so much bullying going on in the schools. With so many kids killing themselves, this is a needed tool for parents. There is no handbook but every little bit helps.
This is a great post! Thank you for this informative piece. Our teens are in a precious space and need more nurturing now than ever.
Great info Patrice! Parents and teachers need to keep a close eye on teens these days. With the Internet I think teens are harassed even more then back in our day, and that can quickly lead to them feeling quite depressed.
Lovely guide. I think the teenage years are one of the hardest times of anybody’s life.
This is such a hard time for teenagers for multiple reasons. I dread these times, thankfully I have a little bit of time left. Sounds like valuable information.
This is one topic that is not so much highlighted but I feel like its such an important topic. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle Hwee, we need to talk more about teenage depression.
There isn’t enough money in the world to make me relive those years for anything…I hate watching my kids and their friends when they’re depressed, and the internet brings a whole new level of depression we’re just barely beginning to understand. I found out one of my teens had been cutting a few years ago and it broke my heart…we try really hard to keep an eye out for all of our kids and tips and books really help us know what to watch for
Sharon, Teenage depression is a serious illness that not enough Parent are talking about. It is not a phase and is not going away with help.
I suffered a lot from depression. I think as a teenager, always keeping the lines of communication open, even if your teen doesn’t want to talk, helps. Getting a family counselor helps and certainly not ignoring it and chalking it up to crazy teen hormones. I know I hated when it was refered to that when I was a teenager.
Heather, I want to share my concern about teenage depression and I am so confused why it’s the least concern on Parents mind. Why wait until tragedy to say I saw the sign but never knew.
Thank you for sharing the signs. Most of the time, we tend to ignore these signs without realizing that this could be something serious.
This is an article every parent must read. The teen years are the most difficult years and too often, we brush off these signs, thinking that what they are going through is part of growing up.
Depression alone is very challenging. But depression and teenage years? That is one difficult challenge to conquer. But I believe that if the teen has enough emotional support from those around her, especially his/her family, she can overcome depression. ^_^
Very good information to share. Important topic.
This is such useful information Patrice. I’m sure many parents would benefit from knowing the signs of depression so that they can take action.