“…sadness is brief, but depression lingers for two weeks or longer.”If your teen has been through a long depression, they may have forgotten how it feels to be merely sad. In such a case, they may say that they are “depressed again” when really, they are simply sad about a recent event. Similarly, your teen may feel sadness about their past depression. For example, they may feel sad when they hear a song that was popular during their depression. This again is not depression but rather, a form of sadness about a past event. Identifying the emotion correctly will help your teen learn when to ask for help.
If you’re wondering how best to distinguish between sadness and depression, keep in mind that sadness is brief, but depression lingers for two weeks or longer. Sometimes a sad event, such as a romance breaking up, triggers a teen’s depression. Usually, a specific reason can be identified that makes a person feel sad, whereas depression may not be traceable to any cause.
If your teen is depressed, you will notice a profound change in their daily level of functionality. Helpguide.com describes the symptoms of teen depression as follows:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Keep in mind that your teen may not exhibit all or even many of the symptoms listed above in order to have a diagnosis of depression. If some of these symptoms seem familiar, find a therapist who can help. Early treatment will get your teen back to a productive and social state.
See also, Caring for Your Depressed Teen for tips on how to get your teen through depression.
Tags: Caregivers, Depression, Family Issues, Managing Symptoms