Is Your Teen Depressed...or Just Acting His Age?

Teens can be tough to figure out. Could your kid be depressed? Or is it just the common mood swings and angst of the teen years? Here's how to tell.

Do you know what the current leading cause of death is for young women?

Most people might consider accidents, disease, or risks associated with childbirth. Unfortunately, new data compiled from around the world shows that suicide is now responsible for the most deaths in young women. The report examined six global regions and every region, except Africa, found that suicide was either first or rated in the top three causes of deaths for 15 to 19 year old girls.

As a parent, this shocking realization is hard to digest. We have all witnessed moody or sad behaviors in our teens. It is almost a rite of passage for a teen to exhibit mood swings or be short-tempered. This can cause a lot of sleepless nights for parents, because it is often difficult to differentiate the symptoms between depression and normal teen behaviors.

Is This Normal? Understanding Typical Teen Behavior

Adolescent development is often accompanied with a teen’s sudden withdrawal from his or her parents as he or she begins forming their own self-identity. This process is normal and often is accompanied by moodiness, short-tempers, and a sudden embarrassment of their parents. Peers and friends suddenly take on a more important role, which often leaves parents feeling isolated from their child.

As teens seek privacy and autonomy, they might spend a lot of hours secluded in their bedroom or scrolling social media. This desire for privacy allows teens to contemplate who they are becoming, identifying goals, and forming their philosophies toward life. Allowing teens this space will help them become independent and self-aware.

However, there might be times where you question a child’s defensiveness or reactions to parental input. It’s natural for teenagers to balk at a parent’s intrusion, but there are cues to watch for if you question if a child is displaying healthy emotions or mental stability.

Red Flag Behaviors That Signal Depression

Teen behaviors might be dicey when it comes to parental involvement, but they should still enjoy hanging out with friends or activities away from the home. Dr. Nadja N. Reilly, a board member of the Harvard Mental Health Letter and director of Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative at Children’s Hospital Boston, recommends parents pay close attention to a teen’s behavior to help determine if a teen is exhibiting a normal teenage attitude or something serious is brewing under that angst.