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Depression in Adolescence: What Parents Need to Know

Concerned parents and counselor comforting a distressed teen seated at a table, illustrating adolescent depression support.

Depression in adolescence has become common in the United States. According to data from Mental Health America, it is estimated that about 20% of teenagers have experienced a major depressive episode, while 15% of teenagers have experienced severe impairment due to depression. The same data ranks Arizona 50th with 24% of teens experiencing a major depressive episode. You would think many teens would seek help for their depression. However, it is estimated that 67% of teens in Arizona did not seek or receive treatment for depression. Untreated depression in adolescence can lead to numerous long-term problems that can affect an individual well into adulthood. It is vital to seek help if your son or daughter is struggling with adolescent depression.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of treating teen depression. In this article, we will guide parents about depression in teenagers. We will examine its causes, symptoms, and how parents can support teens with depression. Visit our website today for more information, and contact our team immediately if you require assistance.

What Is Depression in Adolescence?

It can be challenging to distinguish depression in adolescence from normal teenage behavior. As teens grow, they may experience a sudden onset of sadness and negative emotions. When this sadness impairs their ability to function properly in society, it may be termed as depression. Clinically, depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. The manual enables mental health practitioners to accurately diagnose depression using your teen’s symptoms as the baseline. 

Common Symptoms of Teen Depression

Thoughtful teen in yellow top glancing sideways against a green backdrop, reflecting internal struggle.

Depression in adolescence can manifest in numerous ways. Teens struggling with depression may exhibit some of the following: 

Emotional Symptoms of Depression in Teens

  • Sad mood 
  • Irritability
  • Overwhelming feelings of sadness
  • Increased feelings of guilt or shame 
  • Feeling helpless, worthless, and hopeless
  • Low self-worth 
  • Thoughts about running away 

Behavioral Symptoms of Depression in Teens

  • Irregular sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping too much 
  • Social withdrawal and isolation 
  • Negative self-talk 
  • Engaging in risky behavior, such as substance abuse 
  • Refusing to engage in activities that involve socialization 
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable 
  • Difficulty concentrating in class 
  • Rebellious behavior 
  • Phone addiction
  • Violent or aggressive behavior 

Physical Symptoms of Depression in Teens

  • Low energy and fatigue 
  • Significant changes in appetite, e.g., eating too much or not eating at all 
  • Unexplainable illnesses and other physical symptoms 
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation 

If your teen exhibits a combination of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a mental health practitioner. Call our team today if you’d like a professional opinion on your teen’s situation.

What Causes Depression in Teens?

Teen in a hoodie sitting on floor, head bowed and hands clasped, surrounded by chaotic thought scribbles.

Depression, like any other mental health condition, is complex and does not have a single cause. It is caused by numerous different factors, including: 

Chemical Imbalances in the Brain

It is believed that depression may be caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. The theory that neurotransmitters like serotonin are partially responsible for depression has existed for decades. The main point expressed through this theory is the efficacy of antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression. They act by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This means that more serotonin remains in the brain, therefore preventing depressive episodes. 

Inherited Traits or Genetics

According to the Stanford School of Medicine, it is estimated that depression is hereditary in around 40-50% of cases. This means that your teen’s depression is highly likely to be caused by genetic factors. There is evidence that teens from families with a history of depression are more likely to be depressed. It is estimated that, compared to average teens, depression is four or five times more likely to develop in teens whose parents or siblings have had recurrent depression.

Evidence suggests that certain genes, such as the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4, also known as 5-HTT) and the COMT gene, can be linked to the onset of depression. These genes are responsible for regulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Many parents blame themselves for their teen’s depression when they find out that depression is caused by hereditary factors. As a parent or guardian, you should not blame yourself for their depression due to the complexity of this mental health condition.

Stressful Life Events

Teens experiencing stressful life events, such as grief, bullying, parental divorce, and severe medical conditions, may become depressed. Most teenagers do not know how to navigate such stressful events, leading to the onset of depression. 

Substance Use

Drug and alcohol use can be a cause or effect of depression. Many teenagers start abusing drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with difficult life situations. Although they may feel better temporarily, their mental health is likely to worsen. Substance use eventually becomes a cyclical problem that co-occurs with mental health conditions like depression in adolescence.

Social Pressure

Your teen’s depression may be caused by the comparison culture. In today’s society, social media feeds teenagers picture-perfect lifestyles. Every time they scroll on their phones, they get to see how other people live their lives. This inevitably leads to comparison and a feeling of inadequacy. As a result, your teen may struggle with depressed feelings. Some studies suggest that teenagers who spend more than three hours on social media are twice as likely to develop depression

Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

Teen placing hand on worried parent’s shoulder as parent looks away upset, showing tension and disconnect.

Depression can have several effects on your teenager’s life. It can lead to teen self-harm and even suicide. As a parent or guardian, you should not ignore the following warning signs: 

  • Increased isolation 
  • Reckless behavior 
  • An obsession with death
  • Joking about death or suicide
  • Giving away possessions 
  • Writing goodbye notes 
  • A drastic change in your teen’s personality or way of life in a short period
  • Statements about feeling hopeless, worthless, and helpless

How Parents Can Support a Teen With Depression

If you suspect your teen is depressed, there are several ways you can support them through their healing journey. These include the following: 

Start With Compassionate Listening

Teenagers try to hide how they feel. However, with patience and compassion, they will begin to trust you. If you suspect your teen is depressed, talk to them about it. Let them know that you have noticed they are going through a rough time, and do not be quick to jump to conclusions or offer advice. As a parent or guardian, listen to what your teen says with compassion. Allow them to lead the conversation and unpack all their feelings. 

Active listening techniques, like open-ended questions, can help you get more information about your teen’s feelings. Such techniques also foster trust and allow teens to think deeply about their feelings. As your teen talks about how they feel, nod and ask follow-up questions. This shows that you are interested in what they are saying. Similarly, give them time to answer your questions. If they feel like you are pushing them too hard, they can shut you out. It is important to be compassionate and empathetic as you discuss such difficult subjects. 

Avoid Minimizing or Dismissing Their Feelings

Many parents dismiss or minimize their teens’ feelings. Don’t be like those parents. Be kind and listen to your teen’s perspective and validate their feelings. If you minimize their experiences, they are likely to bottle their emotions, which will have worse effects on their mental health. 

Model Emotional Regulation

Teenagers look up to their parents in many ways. As a parent or guardian, you should be their role model by practicing emotional regulation techniques. When you feel frustrated, avoid yelling, breaking things, or becoming passive-aggressive. These behaviors show that you lack emotional regulation skills. Instead, choose activities like meditation to help manage negative emotions. Encourage your teen to join you during these sessions. When you do this, your teen will learn how to deal with difficult emotions caused by depression. 

Create Routines and Stability

Daily routines and self-care exercises can help your teen manage their depression. This is because they do not have time to wallow in their sadness. Daily actionable goals give them a purpose that will help them get out of bed and go through their day successfully. 

When and How to Seek Professional Help

Teen speaking with a counselor across a table, sharing concerns in a supportive therapy setting.

You should seek professional help as soon as you suspect that your teen is depressed. The first point of call is your teen’s pediatrician. They have your teen’s medical history and can rule out any other causes of a depressed mood. If they think your teen is depressed, they will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health provider. Here, your teen will receive a diagnosis and start therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent future recurrence of this condition.

Treatment Options

Some common treatments for depression include the following: 

  • Psychotherapy: Talk therapy is the primary treatment for depression. It involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist. Your teen’s therapist will help them identify and modify negative thoughts and feelings. This will help them overcome their depression. Common psychotherapy approaches for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 
  • Medication: Sometimes medication is used in combination with psychotherapy. Your teen may be prescribed antidepressants like SSRIs, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and atypical antidepressants. 
  • Holistic Approaches: Complementary therapeutic approaches like yoga, art, sound, and equine therapy are also used to help teens with depression. These techniques are strictly complementary and should not be used on their own.

Teen Depression Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy

At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of early depression treatment. Our approach is designed to help teens overcome depression. At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer individual, group, and family therapies to help teens struggling with various mental health conditions.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we equip teens with the required skills to overcome depression. Our multidisciplinary team is highly qualified and prides itself on high-quality mental health services. If you would like to enroll your teen in one of our programs, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Depression can begin at any age. However, it is most common in teens between 14 and 19. 

Informing your teen’s school about their condition depends on various things. Your teen’s comfort level or whether they will miss school are the most crucial things to consider. The potential benefits of informing the school include tailored support, provision of safe spaces, and understanding absences from school.

author avatar
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin