Understanding Teen Depression
What Parents, Teachers, and Youth Workers Need to Know
Depression is on the rise among our youth. Learn about the risk factors and signs of teen depression, and how you can help.
Who is at risk for depression? Depression can happen to anyone, but there are certain risk factors that should be recognized. These include attention problems, learning problems, conduct disorders, and a family history of depression. In addition, significant stressors, like a recent or sudden loss, family problems (especially divorce or death in the family), or financial problems make a teen more vulnerable. Those students who have been abused, are already involved in drug or alcohol use, or have experienced the suicide of a close friend or relative are of particular risk.
Even relatively “minor” problems, such as conflicts with parents or the breakup of a romantic relationship, can lead to depression. Remember, events that may seem insignificant to adults can be extremely important from the perspective of a teenager.
What are some other contributing factors? All students experience stress at one time or another. But teens who lack coping skills to manage difficult life events are certainly more vulnerable to depression. For students who have poor social skills, low self-esteem, or a pessimistic worldview, stressful events may be more likely to trigger depression.
What does depression feel like? Traditionally, depression is often thought of as primarily a condition of low mood and unhappiness. Other symptoms may include decreased frustration tolerance, lethargy, irritability, and problems concentrating or making decisions. Kids may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or experience feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt. There may be observable changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and teens may experience thoughts of suicide.
What does depression look like? Those close to a teen suffering from depression may notice frequent school absences and declining academic performance. Students may being to have an increased level of conflicts in their relationships, or may isolate themselves from friends and family altogether. They may seem hostile or angry, and engage in risk-taking behavior. Be alert for vague physical complaints, as well as morbid themes in writing and drawing. Kids in pain may attempt to use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, so watch for this, as well.
What can you do? Beware of responses that block communication, and learn how to talk to kids in a way that encourages sharing. Only doctors and therapists are qualified to treat depression, so share your worries with parents right away. Be able to share specific, observable information that backs up your concerns: this is much more helpful to the diagnostic process than a vague sense of “something isn’t right.” Use the above as a guideline for mapping out particular areas where a teen may be exhibiting unusual behavior.
If a teen verbalizes thoughts or plans of suicide, no matter how offhand, these statements must be shared with a parent immediately. In a situation such as this, confidentiality must be breached in order to protect the safety of the child. Your agency may have specific protocols in place for this; be sure you follow them. If not, communicate with the parent and enact a plan to keep the child safe until he can be seen by a trained mental health professional. In serious cases, an assessment at a local hospital or mental health facility may be required.
For more on developing healthy relationships with kids, please also see Building Trust with Teens. For more about talking to kids in crisis, check out Communication Blockers and Communication Builders.
