Depression in Teenagers
 The teenage years are a confusing and complicated time for everyone. As young people struggle with balancing school, ever changing social challenges, and discovering who they are and who they want to be, it is not uncommon for them to feel down at times. However, it is important to know the signs of depression in teenagers in order to discern between the everyday blues and something more serious, and to provide them with the tools they need to successfully deal with this rough period in life.
It can be a challenge for parents to know when their child is simply going through a hard time or suffering from treatable depression. Common signs of depression in teenagers often include:
- Poor performance in school
- Withdrawing from friends and social activities they once enjoyed
- Loss of energy
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Sudden, sometimes erratic, changes in behavior (teens who were once well behaved become defiant, extreme changes in personal style, etc)
It is easy for teens suffering from depression to feel helpless, but it is important to understand that depression in teenagers, just like depression in adults, is a treatable condition. Trouble in school, changes in interest and style, and changes in sleeping patterns can be normal parts of growing up, but if you are concerned about your child's mental health, it is never a bad idea to consult with doctor as well as keep lines of communication open with your teen to help them in dealing with depression.
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