Young people and Depression

Everyone gets the blues now and then, but people who feel down for more than a few weeks may be depressed.  Adolescence is a period of significant change and development.  For some young people it can be a difficult and confusing time of life and this can make them vulnerable to depression.

Some of the Warning Signs:

• Persistent sadness or anger, frequent crying.

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, a worsening or school performance

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness

• Lack of interest in friends, family and activities they previously enjoyed

• Lack of energy, enthusiasm or motivation (feeling slowed down)

• Restlessness, irritability or agitation

• Changes in sleeping patterns

• Not being able to get off to sleep

• Sleeping more than usual

• Changes in eating patterns

• Eating more or less than usual

• Thoughts of death, suicide or harming themselves.

If your teenager is depressed for a significant time it is important to seek professional help.  If you or they are not taken seriously at one place then seek help elsewhere until you are both satisfied.