ADULT DEPRESSION
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Feelings of sadness, anxious, emptiness or hopelessness
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Irritability or frustration
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Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities
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Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
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Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
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Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
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Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
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Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
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Trouble thinking and concentrating
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Suicidal thoughts
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Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches that do not ease with treatment
ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
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Symptoms include all those listed for adults, but may also include the following:
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Sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, and anger
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Poor performance or poor attendance at school
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Feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive
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Using recreational drugs or alcohol,
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Eating or sleeping too much,
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Engaging in self-harm
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Loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.
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SYMPTOMS
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. (Last Revised) 2016, October). Retrieved July 30, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
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Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, Zhao S, Nelson CB, Hughes M, Eshleman S, Wittchen HU, Kendler KS. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States. Archives of General Psychiatry. 1994;51:8–19. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2169519/#R60
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Mayo Clinic Staff. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)- Symptoms and Causes. June 9, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/sympts- causes/dxc-20321472
Depression is a blanket term for a wide variety of depressive disorders. Major Depressive Disorder is the most common form of the depressive disorders and is one of the most common forms of mental illness. Depression tends to affect 1:6 men and 1:4 women in their lifetime. While people can have only one incidence of depression during their lifetime, at least 50% of those who have had one depressive episode will become depressed again.
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Given that depression is such a common illness it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of depression. However, adult depression looks different than adolescent depression. When trying to spot the symptoms of depression in your teen it's important to know what signs to look for. If your child is experiencing several of the following symptoms most of the day for at least two weeks, then they may be experiencing depression.
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If you believe your child is experiencing depression make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
SELF HARM
Self-harm is behaviour that is done deliberately to harm oneself, without causing death. At least 10% of adolescents report having self-harmed. Self-harm is a symptom of teenage depression and can take many forms, including but not limited to cutting oneself, burning oneself, punching hard objects, and pulling out hair. If you suspect your teenager has been self-harming, here are some comprehensive resources for parents to identify and deal with self-harm:
Cornell Research Program New Mexico State University Oxford University Parentline
Self-harm is behaviour that is done deliberately to harm oneself, without causing death. At least 10% of adolescents report having self-harmed. Self-harm is a symptom of teenage depression and can take many forms, including but not limited to cutting oneself, burning oneself, punching hard objects, and pulling out hair. If you suspect your teenager has been self-harming, here are some comprehensive resources for parents to identify and deal with self-harm:
Cornell Research Program New Mexico State University Oxford University Parentline
SELF HARM
Feeling Suicidal can be related to depression. In one study it was found that 20% of high school students admitted to thinking about suicide. If you think this may be relevant to your teen or if your teen has made a suicide risk it is imperative you take it seriously and immediately seek guidance from a healthcare provider in your area. To learn more about this visit the following sites:
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention
The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
The number for the Alameda County Crisis Line is 1-800-309-2131
If someone is in immediate danger call 911