Teen depression is a common condition that can change your child’s world from bright and hopeful to dark and dismal. When teen depression is causing trouble in the home, it’s time to get some professional help for your teen. Rather than believe the myth that your teen can just snap out of depression, do your job a s a parent and get your teen into a therapist who can treat teen depression.

What is Depression in Teens?

Teen depression ranges from mild cases to severe. In many cases, teen depression is more than just being moody. Everyone experiences depression but when it becomes an impediment to normal life, it’s a problem. When teens experience extreme depression and it interferes with school, work, hobbies, friends, family and sleep, they need assistance.

Here are some common symptoms of teen depression you may notice at home:

• Drop in grades
• Apathy
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Inability to focus
• Irritable
• Poor decision making
• Excessive sleep or insomnia
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches or back pain
• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal from activities and people that once brought pleasure

Of course a teen with depression may exhibit just some of these symptoms, and there are other teens who may show other signs not listed here. If you notice several of these in your teen frequently and it is affecting your family’s life, make sure you help your child see a professional.

What Causes Teen Depression?

Scientists aren’t completely sure what causes depression in teens but it seems to be a powerful combination of genetics and environment that contribute to whether or not a teenager develops depression. Many teens suffer from depression after a big change, traumatic event or significant situation, which changes their outlook on the world and themselves. In extreme cases, teens with depression may have suicidal thoughts and even make attempts to end their life.

How is Teen Depression Treated?

Because many teens with depression can be mistaken for a typical moody teen, they may go for a while with no treatment. You may even think that the trouble in the home is due to something else like bad friends or teen rebellion. Fortunately teen depression is a highly treatable condition with a combination of therapy and medication administered by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in adolescents. Teens learn new methods of coping and therapy helps them get to the root of their problems. Understanding more about teen depression can help parents, teachers and even teens themselves identify when they need help.