Helping Teens Cope with Depression

 

  Lately, your teenager hasn’t seemed like herself. She’s sleeping more, eating less and never wants to talk to you about anything. You assume that she’s just going through a phase, but she may be suffering from depression---5 percent of all teenagers do. If you’re concerned about your teen, or a teen you may know, here is some important information.

 

What are the symptoms of depression?  “One of the most obvious symptoms of teenage depression is a change in behavior,” says Ahmed Hussain, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Advocate Medical Center. In other words, a normally easygoing teen might suddenly become very irritable or withdrawn. That’s not to say that every cranky teen is depressed. Just like adults, teenagers are allowed to experience bad moods every now and then. In order to be considered clinically depressed, symptoms must be present for at least a couple of weeks, says Dr. Hussain.

 

“Symptoms of depression include withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation,” he says. “The teen may also experience conduct problems in school or at home and participate in risky behaviors like getting into fights or taking drugs.”

 

What causes depression in teens?  A chemical imbalance, stressful life changes, a family history of depression or excessive drug or alcohol use are major risk factors for depression. A depressed parent also may be a powerful influence on a teen’s depression because of genetics or the teen’s imitation of the parent’s behavior. “And sometimes depression just seems to occur right out of the blue,” says Dr. Hussain.

 

What should a parent do?  “If you’re concerned that your teen may be depressed, consider seeking a consultation with your primary care physician or have your teen evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist,” says Carroll Cradock, Ph.D., Director of Advocate Mental Health Center. Treatment usually requires psychotherapy that works to improve the teen’s relationships, social skills or problem-solving abilities. Medication may or may not be part of the treatment. If necessary, the teen may be admitted to Advocate Medical Center for inpatient care.

 

Parents need to take an active role in their teen’s treatment. “Compliance is very poor in teenagers, so without the parents’ cooperation, we have nothing,” says Dr. Hussain. “An involved parent can help us ensure the teen is taking his or her medication and showing up to therapy sessions.”

 

 

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI of Greater Chicago

1536 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642

(312) 563-0445