Teenage depression

Nearly one in five teenagers will experience depression before they become adults. Depression can happen at any point in a child’s life, even when things seem to be going well. And young people with depression may have a hard time dealing with everyday activities and responsibilities.

Depression may affect a child’s body in addition to his or her feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Depression often affects the way kids behave at home and at school, how they interact with others, and how they feel about themselves. But depression is a treatable illness, especially when it is diagnosed early.

There is a big difference between sadness and depression. Sadness typically lasts no more than a day. Generally, if a child’s symptoms do not go away after two weeks, he or she could be suffering from depression. “It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between typical teen behavior and depression,” says Dr. Kevin Kearns, Senior Medical Director for UPMC for Kids.

Depression may include several symptoms from the lists below. If your child shows any of these symptoms, contact his or her doctor.

Physical

• A major change –– increase or decrease –– in eating and/or sleeping patterns
  
• Frequent complaints of physical illness such as headaches and stomachaches
  
• Low energy

Emotional

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, or crying
  
• Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness 
  
• Feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, or guilt
  
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
  
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility

Mental

• Poor concentration
  
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
  
• Difficulty making decisions

Behavioral

• Decreased interest in or lack of enjoyment in activities
  
• Persistent boredom
  
• Withdrawal from peers and adults
  
• Lack of communication with others
  
• Difficulty with relationships
  
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
  
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home

The best thing you can do if you think your child or teen may be depressed is to get him or her treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may include your child’s talking to a therapist and taking medication. A mental health professional can review treatment options with you to ensure the best care for your child. School counselors are also available.

If you would like additional information or need assistance with accessing behavioral health treatment for your teenager, please call UPMC Health Plan Behavioral Health Services at 1-888-251-0083 or through our TTY line at 1-877-877-3580.

To find a participating provider near you, visit the UPMC for Kids website. You also may call UPMC for Kids Member Services at 1-800-650-8762 and press option 4. TTY users can call
1-800-361-2629.

Source: http://www.family.samhsa.gov/monitor/depressionhurt.aspx