Adolescence is an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life. Depression is very common in teenagers. get the warning signs today.
Stress from the pressure to have good grades, be a star athlete, or from peers can result in adolescent or teenage depression. if your teen experiences some of the following warning signs - please see a therapist in your area.
Recognizing Adolescent / Teenage Depression:
The following are some of the common symptoms which surface bouts of depression. A person who experiences five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks is diagnosed as having a depressive illness:
1. Persistent sadness; or feeling down or gloomy.
2. Withdrawal from friends and family.
3. Weight Loss or weight gain; or decrease or increase in appetite.
4. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; or sleeping excessively.
5. A loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
6. Feeling tired and lacking in energy.
7. Difficulty concerning or having trouble thinking.
8. Recent decline in School Performance.
9. Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness.
10. Feels that no one (such as parents, teachers and peers) cares.
11. Refusing to go to school for no explicit reason.
12. Frequent complaints of being bored.
13. Social isolation.
14. Addictive behaviors such as overuse of computers and the Internet.
15. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
16. Difficulty with relationships.
17. Increased irritability, anger, or hostility.
While depression is common. it can be easily missed. moreover, there are still misconceptions about the condition. many people think that there is no treatment for depression or that it will cure itself.
Nothing can be further from the truth. Depression is an illness that will not go away by itself - but the good mews is, it is a highly treatable condition and not difficult to diagnose if one is aware of the signs and symptoms.
Posted in 
