Teenage depression is a serious issue and problem that tends to affect many teens. Such depression if not treated in time can cause immense problems and even suicide or violence in extreme cases. While many teens tend to go through some problems and issues during the teenage years depression can be extremely problematic and even destroy the personality and life of the individual.

While diagnosing teenage depression it is important to differentiate between normal teenage moodiness and actual depression. While some teenagers experiencing depression may isolate themselves some others may express this depression through aggression, rage and irritability. Some symptoms associated with teenage depression include hopelessness or sadness, frequent crying, hostility or anger, losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyed and changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits.

Teenage depression may also be characterized by lack of energy or fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, problems in concentration and suicidal thoughts. To determine if it is a case of depression it is important to identify the time period for which the symptoms are present along with the severity of the symptoms and the differences in behavior that are displayed by the teenager.

Most teenagers tend to experience some growing pains where they have problems handling the challenges of the teenage years. However changes in the mood, behavior patterns and personality on a long term basis can be an indication of deeper problems. Teenage depression may look different from adult depression. Irritability is often more prevalent in depression in teenagers as against sadness.

Teenage depression is also characterized with frequent complaints from teenagers of suffering from physical ailments like stomach aches and headaches. Teenagers suffering from depression also tend to display extreme sensitivity to rejection, failure and criticism. Depressed teenagers may also withdraw from parents or start socializing with different individuals.

Teenage depression can result in a number of problems that include problems at school, substance abuse, low self esteem, eating disorders, addiction to internet and self injury. Some teenagers may also indulge in reckless behavior and violence or even attempt suicide in extreme cases.

The warning signs of teenage depression resulting in suicide include teenagers talking about committing suicide or joking about it, writing about death, giving away possessions, getting weapons and saying goodbye to loved ones and family members. It is advisable to talk to the teen if depression is suspected. However it is important that you talk to the concerned teen in a completely non judgmental and loving manner.

Offering support in teenage depression is important and it is also advisable to be gentle yet persistent with the teenager. It is important to validate the feelings of the teen. The concerned individual should be taken to the family physician so as to rule out medical problems causing depression. After the possibility of depression is identified it is advisable to get help from an expert. It is advisable to choose someone who has had experience in handling adolescents suffering from depression.

The different treatment options should be explored before selecting a suitable method. Psychotherapy can be successful in treating mild to moderate depression cases. For severe depression talk therapy can also be combined with family therapy as well as medication. Antidepressants should be used only after carefully evaluating the benefits and associated risks. The doctor should be actively involved through every stage of the treatment. It is important for parents and loved ones to offer a lot of support to the depressed teen. Physical activity and socializing should be encouraged as these tend to reduce feelings of depression.