One of the hardest phases in one’s life is between the ages of 10 to 19 years old so this is when signs of teenage depression usually manifest. This is the period that the teener would think that he is already grown up but yet he has to suffer the strictness of his parents. He is not allowed to act like a youngster nor allowed to do what adults are doing. This is also the phase where peer pressure is at its strongest and with the onset of puberty; hormones play a big role in their behavior.

These conflicting situations usually lead to teenage depression. It is said that one in five teenagers are affected before their 18th birthday comes. Often it is undiagnosed because some parents think that this rebellion is a normal part of the teenager’s life. The teenager on the other hand hide their feelings and refuse to believe that there is something wrong with them. They also hate to seek their parent’s help. This depression when not checked therefore might lead to adult depression of psychosis later in life.

The signs of teenage depression are almost the same as that in adults, which is short of attentiveness and cannot concentrate on his tasks, chronic fatigue, and hot tempered. As the disease progresses and the teener has difficulty in coping with the distress, he will manifest crying, making troubles or become lethargic. If the offspring has more than five of the symptoms of teenage depression, and when he becomes suicidal, it is imperative to get professional help and to show love and support for the child.

Some causes of teenage depression are very stressful events in their life like the divorce of their parents, death of a loved one, financial hardships, sexual or physical abuse, drug and alcohol abuse. Teeners also get depressed when they cannot get their targets in school or their personal goals. If he is not accepted by his peers, that might also be a tendency for him to get depressed. Another most likely cause of depression is genetic and the teenager is predisposed to have it if his family is emotionally or mentally weak. Families therefore should be wary of the signs of teenage depression to help the teenager get out of the depression state.

A child with depression sometimes isolates himself from his peers. Noted is his physical and verbal violence and his irritation gets on longer periods of time. His achievements in school get down because he has feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and inadequacy. He no longer enjoys his normal routine and activities and there is excessive crying and extreme sadness. Some children even get suicidal.

You would be extremely lucky if you can detect the symptoms as early as possible, and when these happens, one should be prepared to devote most of her time for the child everyday to assure him that you are there for him. To make him feel that you love him and that he is safe. Talk to him to know what his activities are and to discover what is bothering him. Encourage them to talk about themselves by listening patiently to them. Children have this huge fear that they are alone in facing their problems.

Some parents are strict and very expectant that they require high achievements in school from their child. Others are too irresponsible not minding the activities and what happens to their children. These treatments from the parents confuse and frighten the child that he cannot fulfill the parent’s expectations. Some children are overburdened with extra-curricular activities like sports or music where much are also expected of them so that when they fall short they fall to low self-esteem and disrespect for themselves. Talk to them about peer pressure and other issues that might be a problem to the child.

Learn from your child what skills he wants to learn and let him achieve it in his own pace. Always appreciate whatever attributes they have like their being very loving or respectful. Appreciate every item that they have drawn. Create a healthy loving family environment where the child could feel that he is safe so that child depression will be a thing of the past.