Teen Depression

http://www.depression-recovery-life.com/sign-of-depression.html

Is it a
Symptom of Teen Depression ?

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Depression symptoms in teens can be difficult to recognise because they often appear to be a normal part of the difficulties of adolescence . Teenagers are expected to act moody, sullen, throwing a tantrum, sulk etc. Mood swings are frequently blamed on raging hormones. It is hardly surprising then that an estimated 80% of cases go untreated because parents and/or teachers fail to recognise the behaviour is a symptom of teen depression

As well as showing many of the same symptoms of adult depression some common teenage depression symptoms are:

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• Decline in grades and general academic performance.
• Frequent absences from school/college.
• Poor concentration in classes.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Lack of interest in friends and usually enjoyable social activities.
• Difficulty with relationships.
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy and motivation in general.
• Persistent boredom.
• Increased passive TV watching.
• Frequent sadness, tearfulness and crying.
• General feelings of hopelessness.
• Poor self-esteem and high guilt.
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
• Tendency to blow things out of proportion especially criticism.
• Forgetfulness, indecision and lapses in concentration.
• Major changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches and stomachaches, which don’t get better with treatment.
• Restlessness and agitation.
• Alcohol or substance abuse.
• Self injury.
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behaviour.
• Increased irritability, anger and risk-taking behavior.
• Talks of or efforts to run away from home.
• Increase or decrease in sexual activity.