Is My Teen Depressed?

Teens can go through periods of sadness, periods of needing a break from the stress of school, peer relationships, etc. Depression, however, is more than a “time out” from life. Depression is when the emotions become so big that your teen shuts down, can longer identify what they are feeling, try unhealthy ways of coping such as cutting, drugs, avoiding all responsibilities, unable to utilize daily life skills (hygiene, sleep habits, etc.). They no longer enjoy what they used to enjoy. Their demeanor is sullen, sad, shut down, or they cry a lot. They become uncommunicative and most importantly, they cannot “snap out of it.” 

Depression numbs the will and they can no longer do or have the energy to do the activities they used to engage in. What can be confusing is that sometimes, even when they are most depressed, they may have moments where an invitation from a friend will energize them, but for them, that is a momentary escape. Overall, they are still shut down, still unable to function, still unable to resolve problems, and they have dark thoughts, are drawn to sad music, movies, colors, etc. 

• Their grades drop a lot, to the point of failing most classes.

• They isolate more, to the point of hibernating in their room.

• They sleep too much.

• They don’t communicate.

• They can’t identify their feelings.

• They no longer connect with others or open up. 

They….need….more help than you can provide. A therapist can assess them, help identify whether their safety, their ability to benefit from therapy, and what skills they need to learn to move out of the pit of despair. 

If you are worried your teen may be depressed an assessment from a mental health professional in your area may find the best next steps. If you are in the Connecticut area we are here to help. Contact us today.