Teen Depression: What Are the Warning Signs?  

As a parent, the last thing you want to face is the fact that your teenager might be severely depressed. Teen depression is more than being moody every now and then or feeling blue because you bombed a test, it’s a very real condition and can have dangerous consequences if left untreated.

Many teens turn to drugs as a way to cope with depression, which only makes it worse and more dangerous. If you are in California and know someone who is struggling with addiction, there are drug detox programs in Orange County that are designed to help. To keep your teen from turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with depression you must first realize that your teen is depressed. Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for.

A Sudden Drop in Grades

If your teenager has suddenly gone from making great grades or even passable grades to failing every class, they could be suffering from depression. Depression makes it difficult to focus, meaning that your teenager can’t concentrate enough to make the grades he once did.

Getting in Trouble at School 

Teens who are depressed often get irritable and then get in trouble at school and in other places. If your normally even-keeled teenager is suddenly getting in trouble, then you could have a child who is suffering from depression.

Running Away

For many depressed teens, they feel that the only answer is to run away and try to make it on their own. If your teen is running away or talking about running away, it could be a cry for help. Don’t ignore them, try and find them the help they need instead. There are often other reasons that a teenager is running away, but this could be the one you need to explore further.

Smartphone/Internet Addiction

While most teenagers spend the majority of their time online or glued to their smartphone, if it’s all they care to do, then this could be a sign of severe depression. Teens who are depressed often retreat into the world of the internet as a way to escape their problems. However, excessive internet and smartphone use only make the depression and the problems worse.

Reckless Behavior 

Teens who are depressed often participate in reckless behavior, such as drinking, risky driving, and unprotected sex. If your teen seems to be spiraling out of control, it’s imperative that you get them help. Whether it’s depression or some other issue that is causing them to act out, it needs to be addressed and treated as soon as possible.

These are just a few of the warning signs that you want to watch for if you feel that your teen is depressed. One or two items on the list may not point to a serious depression issue, but it’s best to be on the safe side and keep an eye on the child you love. Depression often ends in an attempt at suicide, and not every teen gets the help they need in time. Don’t let your teen become a statistic, get them help now.