It’s not uncommon for teens and parents to clash on certain issues like curfews and clothing.  These types of disagreements are common and will likely happen on a regular basis.  While it is normal for teens to push for more independence, an increase in irritable or irrational behavior might indicate a teen is struggling with a more serious emotional problem like depression.  Depression is not uncommon among teens and affects about one out of every eight adolescents.  For teen girls, depression is much more common – girls are twice as likely as boys to struggle with depression. 

There are many factors that can cause depression, such as traumatic or stressful life events, medical conditions that affect hormone balance, or even undiagnosed learning disabilities.  Depression affects everyone in different ways: some teens might have intense depression and will display visible warnings signs through behavior and attitude; other teens might experience less intense depression, which may be harder for parents to detect. 

Common signs of depression include:
•    Frequent crying
•    Feelings of hopelessness or meaninglessness
•    Difficulty sleeping at night or sleeping too much
•    Social isolation
•    Fatigue
•    Weight gain or weight loss
•    Irritability
•    Frequent complaints headaches and stomachaches
•    Falling grades

If untreated, depression can become more intense and potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.  The good news is depression is one of the most treatable emotional conditions.  Seeking help from therapists and medical professionals can help teens identify and overcome their depression.  About 80 percent of people who seek professional help for depression are able to overcome their condition.

If you'd like more information, contact us; we'd be glad to assist you further!