Is your Teen Depressed?

November 8, 2019, 10:49 am

By Darren Gillespie

What does a normal teen act like? The following teen behaviors are completely normal: moodiness, emotionality, focus on self, opinionated, some rebelliousness, limit-testing, pushing for independence, less affection, struggling with identity, questioning beliefs, and seeming to know it all. These behaviors are healthy and evidence of the individuation process beginning. Parents should be glad to see its arrival. Sure, it's not always easy, but remember - it's only a phase. It is helpful to understand it, allow it, and roll with the "fresh air" that blows through during these fun -filled years.

The following behaviors are signs of depression in teens: poor school performance, low self-worth, isolating, irrit bility and hostility, loss of appetite or not eating, low energy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and comments about death through any outlet. The more visible signs to look for in assessing risk are isolation, and school issues. With isolating, think of normal as 1 -2 hours out of their bedroom and near the rest of the family per day. For friend time, normal is hanging out 2-3 times per week. Much less than this is cause for concern.

Take signs of depression seriously. The following may help: Work on your relationship - engage your teen - spend time with them and mostly listen. Seek for the trigger to the depression and address it. Go out of your way to support socializing - give rides and help organize it, help lower stress at school, with peers, or otherwise - they may need help cutting back in areas.

Remember, you as the parents have the most influence in your teen's life.

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The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2024 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Is your Teen Depressed?

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