Depression in Teens: How Parents Can Help

All teens feel sad or moody at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer — and when there are other changes in how a teen acts — it could be a sign of depression.

Depression can get better with the right therapy. But problems can last or get worse if they are not treated. Besides therapy, teens who feel depressed need extra support from parents and other adults in their lives.

If you think your teen is depressed, talk with them. Let them know you want to understand what they are going through. Listen if they want to talk.

Schedule a visit with their doctor or a therapist to check for depression. If your teen is depressed, the doctor can explain what they (and you) can do to help. It's best to treat depression early.

How Can I Tell if My Teen Is Depressed?

When teens are depressed, parents may notice a sad or bad mood that lasts for weeks or longer. They may notice other changes, such as:

• Negative outlook. Teens who feel depressed may be hard on themselves or on others. They might focus on failures and setbacks. It may be hard for them to see the good parts of things, or the good parts of themselves.
• Low energy, effort, interest, enjoyment. Teens may lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They may not seem to care. They may put less effort into schoolwork or tasks at home. Things seem to take too much effort. Nothing seems fun or enjoyable.
• Changes in sleep. Teens may sleep more or have trouble getting up when they need to. They may have trouble sleeping.
• Changes in eating. Some teens with depression show less interest in food and may lose weight. Some eat more than before and may gain weight.
• Doing poorly at school. When a teen feels depressed, school work can seem harder. They may not complete their work, show effort, or study as much for tests. Their grades may drop.
• Pulling away from friends and family. Teens may spend more time alone, less time with friends, or seem distant.
• Risky or harmful behaviors. Depression can lead some teens to misbehave, get in trouble, or argue more. They may show risky behaviors. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, or to self-harm.
• Thoughts or talk of suicide. Some depressed teens have thoughts of suicide. If you think your teen is thinking of suicide, ask them about it — calmly and with love. Knowing they have someone they can turn to can help protect teens from acting on those thoughts. It also lets you know if your teen needs immediate help. If your teen is thinking or talking of suicide, find help and guidance right away. Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website, or call or text 988. You can also take your teen to a hospital emergency room or call 911.