Warning Signs and Symptoms
Signs of depression or typical teenage behavior?
While the following behaviors may indicate signs of depression, some also reflect normal teenage growing pains. Experts believe that depression is more likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, they occur suddenly, or some are extreme in nature.
Depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite losss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Suicide:
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Family history of depression or suicide
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Unresolved losses (deaths, moves, job loss, etc.)
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Family Conflicts
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Teen Pregnancy
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Medical Problems (sleeping, eating, pain)
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Academic failure / Learning Problems
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Mentioning suicide or a direct warning about suicide
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Plan to commit suicide / past attempts
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Stressful events / community trauma
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Rigid thinking / impulsiveness
If you or your teen are in immediate need of help, call 911 for emergency services or go to your closest hospital emergency room.