One in five teenagers from all walks of life will suffer from depression at some point during their teen years.
Depression is an illness that can be managed. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you feel as though you may have depression. Doing so, could make you feel shameful, secretive about your condition, and prevent you from getting the proper treatment.
Occasional bad moods are completely normal, but here are 7 signs that you may have depression.
- Low energy and concentration/focus difficulties at school – This can lead to poor academic performance, high absenteeism, lateness and frustration in school.
- Running away – Either talking about it or running away are signs of depression. This is a cry for help as irritability and acting out are common signs in children and teens, whereas adults may simply feel more sad.
- Drug and Alcohol abuse – This is a way to self-medicate. Unfortunately, it only makes matters much worse and amplifies the feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Low self-esteem – Depression can intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure and unworthiness.
- Smartphone addiction – Using technology too often is a form of escaping problems and reality. Social media can lead to isolation, FOMO, comparing yourself to others and increase depression.
- Reckless behavior – Some teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors such as reckless driving, unsafe sex, and binge drinking.
- Violence – Most often seen in boys, some teens can become aggressive and violent due to the common feeling of irritability.
Other signs can be self-injury, eating disorders, and other mental health problems.
10 Symptoms of Depression
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability or anger
- Frequent crying
- Withdrawal from family and friends, activities you once enjoyed
- Poor school performance
- Change in eating and/or sleeping habits.
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Difficulty concentrating, focusing, and lack of energy
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you feel as though you may have depression, please reach out to your parents, guardians, or even a teacher or counselor, and make an appointment to see your physician today.
Depression is highly treatable with help and there is nothing to be ashamed about!
Do not keep it a secret. You CAN feel better.
About the Author: Diane Lang is a Therapist, Educator and Positive Living Expert. She has dedicated her career to helping people turn their lives around and is now on a mission to help them develop a sustainable positive attitude that can actually turn one into an optimist, literally.
Through her two books, “Creating Balance & Finding Happiness” and “Baby Steps: The Path from Motherhood to Career.” Diane has been speaking and empowering parents and adults nationwide. She is also an Adjunct Professor in Psychology at Montclair State University, located in NJ, where her college work includes mentoring students for personal issue advisement.
As an expert in her fields of therapy, Lang has been featured in the Daily Record, Family Circle, Family Magazine, Working Mother Magazine and Cookie Magazine, seen on NJ 12 TV, Good day CT, Style CT, The Veira Network, CBS TV and “Fox & Friends”. She has also participated in a reality based Internet show, ourprisoner.com, hosted Generation X-tinet. In addition Lang writes a blog for Pazoo.com.
For more information please visit Diane’s website: www.dlcounseling.com or email Diane at Dlcounseling2014@gmail.com
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