Teen Depression Warning Signs

Teens suffering from depression will exhibit one of the following three symptoms, for a period of at least two weeks.

A depressed or "blue" mood, noticed by the adolescent or others, often accompanied by feelings of sadness and tearfulness
Loss of interest in most or all activities that were previously enjoyed (and not replaced with new interests)
General irritability, including frequent outbursts and increased frustration over minor issues

PLUS four or more of the following:
Sleep disturbances, such as a substantial decrease or increase in sleep, difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking earlier than normal, or extreme difficulty waking
Increased or decreased eating, as evidenced by substantial weight change that is not related to dieting, or as evidenced by the failure to make expected weight gains
A general feeling of fatigue that doesn't subside even with normal rest
Physical agitation, or a significant decrease in physical activity
Frequent physical complaints, including stomach aches, headaches, and generalized pain
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, which may manifest as a refusal to try new things, avoiding all forms of competition, and self-deprecating comments
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Suicidal thoughts that are more serious than a passing idea (see Teen Suicide), behaviors of self-harm, obsessive thoughts about hurting oneself or others, frequent comments about life not being worth living, general preoccupation with death
Alcohol and drug use as a means of reducing feelings of pain and suffering (as opposed to occasional experimentation). Many drugs, including alcohol, exacerbate depressive symptoms

Symptoms of teen depression may linger for long periods of time, or may disappear only to reappear sometime later, or may never completely disappear. Although the affected teen may not be aware of or acknowledge the symptoms, other objective observers will notice significant distress and/or impairment in the teen's ability to accomplish normal activities.

It should also be noted that some combination of the above symptoms are normal following the loss of something or someone important to the teen, but should gradually subside and disappear within approximately two months. Distinguishing among normal sadness over an important loss, major depressive disorder, and the milder form of depression known as dysthymic disorder, requires the assistance of a trained mental health professional. It is important to note that other psychological and physical disorders may be factors in producing symptoms that look like depression, complicating both diagnosis and treatment.

What does teen depression look like?
Teen depression is not a static emotion, but rather may vary from moment to moment, month to month, or year to year. It is subjective and abstract, and must be viewed in all its biological, psychological and environmental complexity in order to be understood. Some adolescents will exhibit the classic symptoms of depression as outlined above. Other teens may describe a sensation of feeling "empty" inside. Some adolescents may stay too busy to feel much of anything, while having an intuitive sense that to slow down would bring on depression. Others may go through the motions of school and life but experience no joy. Some teens may appear strong and independent, but feel lonely and isolated from classmates. Teens who have been subjected to early traumatic experiences, such as physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse, may be depressed but unable to describe what they're feeling (the thoughts and memories may be too frightening to allow into consciousness).

Most of us recognize the typical symptoms of depression (listed above), but may be surprised that a teen's manifestation of depression may be constant irritability, rather than sadness. Occasionally, a teen may be depressed but show few typical symptoms. To read a case example describing an atypical case of teen depression, see An Atypical Case of Teen Depression.

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