WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION IN TEENS / WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

  

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION IN TEENS / WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW 

What to do if you suspect your kid might be depressed? Most parents aren’t sure how to respond in this sort of situation. And that’s OK. Depression is an incredibly nuanced issue. First and foremost, beware of anyone who says it's an easy issue. Depression might be easy to diagnose by its outward symptoms, but the causes of that depression are not. Beware of people who tell you it’s an easy, isolatable issue. There are multiple reasons why a teenager could be going through depression. 

1. Chemical: The depression could be chemical. Your teen has double the number of hormones raging through his or her body. It’s possible that their brain does not make enough of a certain chemical. Just like diabetics don’t make enough insulin for their body, your teen might have a chemical reason for their depression.  

2. Social Issues: Depression can be caused by social issues. Going through junior high school and high school is filled with tons of social situations that are difficult to navigate. Your teen could be depressed because of perceived rejection by peers or difficult social circumstances.

 

3. Emotional: Depression can be emotional. Your teen’s emotions tend to run out of control because they cannot put life into proper perspective. Things seem like the end of the world. They're not - but you remember back when you were a teenager. 

4. Moral Issues: Depression can be caused by moral issues. If your teen is doing something he or she knows is wrong, they will feel guilt. We have this thing called conscience and violating it causes a sense of disintegration - I’m not the person I want to be - and that can be causing them depression. 

The point is this. The reasons for depression are various. Or it could be a combination of any two or more of these issues. 

Do you see how nuanced and complex this issue is? you're going to have to do the hard work of figuring out why. The fact of the matter is your teen is an incredibly complex person, and likely the cause of his or her depression is incredibly complex as well. In many cases, the loving unconditional support of parents who listen and actively reserve judgment and care is enough. 

But there are situations where that’s not enough. If that is simply not working and you see your teen descending into sadness that lasts for more than a few days, it might be time to seek professional help. There is no shame in this. There is no shame in a parent getting help to try to figure out something complex and nuanced. Please don't let that shame stop you from getting help for yourself and your teen.  

Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help from a local, mental health professional, and remember that there is no professional training needed to care, listen, and be on their side.