According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety are said to occur among 1.1% of teenagers aged between 10 and 14. If depression is left untreated it can become severe and may lead to suicide. Anxiety can cause other mental health issues such as agoraphobia.
Teenagers can be naturally moody because of the fluctuation in their hormones. However, there are situations where a teenager may be depressed and suffer from anxiety. You must be aware of these signs so that you can get the right treatment for your child.
In this article, we discuss what causes depression and anxiety in teenagers and the signs to look out for. We also provide valuable information on how to treat these mental health disorders. Keep reading to find out more.
What Goes On in a Teenager's Life to Trigger Anxiety and Depression?
One of the major causes of depression and anxiety disorder is abuse or neglect from primary caregivers. Parental divorce can also be a contributing factor as well as being exposed to highly stressful environments.
Teenagers who get bullied regularly at school can also show signs of depression and anxiety. Struggling to fit in and the pressures of passing subjects can cause your teenager to feel stressed.
Your child may also not know what might be causing their depression or anxiety so it’s crucial to get a full evaluation from a mental health professional. You’ll then understand what’s causing these mental health problems and the best ways to treat them.
Signs Your Teenager Has Depression
Teenagers feel down but it's not always a concern. On the other hand, you need to monitor your child to see if this is a daily occurrence. In this section, we've provided the most common signs of teenage depression. These are daily symptoms and are not simply caused by experiencing a bad day at school.
Feeling Sad Daily
It's natural for adolescents to feel sad from time to time. But if your teenager is constantly feeling down with no explanation it could be a sure sign of depression. You will start to notice that they never smile and barely laugh and seem to mope around the house looking sad.
Lack of Motivation and Energy
Another tell-tale sign that your teenager is depressed is when they start to lack motivation and energy. They seem to always be tired and may find it difficult to complete daily tasks like chores or homework.
Lack of Personal Hygiene
Teenagers who are severely depressed will start to neglect their hygiene. They'll skip showers, avoid brushing their hair and teeth, and they'll stay in the same clothes for long periods.
Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
Depression can increase stress levels and cause sleep problems like insomnia. Teenagers may struggle to sleep at night which causes them to feel fatigued during the day. However, teenagers who have severe depression can also sleep too much because of their low energy levels.
Easily Agitated
Adolescents who have depression may be extremely agitated and can lash out for the smallest inconveniences. It's important to note that excessive anger and agitation can be a sign of Bipolar disorder.
They Withdraw From Friends and Family
The last common symptom of teenage depression is avoiding social activities with friends and family. They may feel like no one understands what they're going through and tend to withdraw from loved ones for fear of being judged or reprimanded.
Signs Your Teenager Has Anxiety
Anxiety has different symptoms to depression but the two can go hand in hand. An anxious teen can have physical and emotional symptoms. Here are the signs to look out for.
Restlessness
Restlessness is a common sign of anxiety disorder and is caused by the body's flight or fight response. When a teenager are anxious their body starts to release adrenaline which can make them feel hyper-vigilant. It causes them to feel on edge because they're expecting to be presented with danger.
Fidgeting
You may notice that your teen seems to fidget more, like tapping their foot, playing with their hair, or shifting in their chair. They may also feel the need to pick at their skin, chew their lips, or bite their nails.
Physical Symptoms Like Sweating and Dizzyness
Anxiety symptoms aren't just mentally charged. Teenagers can also exhibit physical symptoms such as excessive sweating and feeling lightheaded. Sweating is caused by an increase in stress hormones and is released to try and cool the body down.
Excessive Worry or Fear of Failure
Signs of anxiety also include feeling worried about the future or the fear of failure. Teenagers with this mental health condition tend to be fearful of going out or taking part in social or physical activities. They may also show signs of social anxiety where they're unable to speak to people outside of their immediate circle.
What Can Parents Do When Teens Start to Show Signs of Depression and Anxiety?
Parents should take their children for a full evaluation if they suspect they have anxiety and depression. A professional therapist will be able to diagnose your child and provide the support and treatment needed for their depressive disorders or anxiety.
Family therapy is one of the best treatments to provide for a teenager who has any form of mental disorder. It helps parents understand their children's condition and it provides a safe and controlled environment where people can express their feelings and concerns.
Are There Natural Treatments?
There are holistic treatments that can help teenagers with depression and anxiety such as meditation, regular exercise, and nutrient-rich diets. For severe cases of anxiety and depression, medical practitioners may prescribe pharmaceuticals specifically for these disorders.
Do They Need Therapy?
Teenagers who show signs of anxiety and depression will benefit from going to therapy. Professional therapists can lower the risk of suicide attempts or pinpoint what a child's anxiety triggers are. Speaking to a professional healthcare provider can help teenagers manage their symptoms so they can improve their daily lives.
Signs of Teenage Depression and Anxiety
Sometimes it can feel hopeless as a parent when you witness your child suffering. However, there are ways you can help your teenager with the right therapy sessions and treatment plans.
If you suspect your child is depressed or anxious, book a consultation with Liahona Acadamy today so we can assist your troubled teen with the right solutions.
