What it is:
Mood concerns in adolescents are fairly common and can include both major depression as well as difficulties adjusting to major life changes (e.g., following a move, school change, or end of an important relationship). Depressed teens may experience sadness, tearfulness, low motivation, low energy, or difficulties with sleeping or eating. They may also be more irritable and be more likely to lash out at others than they typically do. Many depressed adolescents have a hard time with attention and concentration, and it is not unusual for their grades to slip as their mood worsens.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- My teen seems sad or worried a lot of the time.
- My adolescent tells me their mood is out of control or has large mood swings.
- My teen cries more than usual.
- My teen is more upset about ‘little things’ than they usually are.
- My adolescent doesn’t seem like themselves these days.
- My teen has little or no motivation to do much of anything, even the things they usually like to do.
- My teenager wants to be alone most of the time, even though they report being lonely.
- My teen has thoughts of hurting themselves or that people would be better off without them.
- My adolescent struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep at night.
- My teenager seems to be sleeping a lot more than is typical for them.
- My teenager has uncontrollable thoughts about how terrible they are and how nobody likes them.
Associated Concerns:
- Depressed teens may also experience symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and social/relationship concerns (e.g., difficulties connecting with others).
- Some depressed adolescents may have thoughts about hurting themselves, meaning that they think about suicide or about self-harming by cutting or burning.
- Some depressed teens struggle with anger or more general emotion dysregulation.
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