Teen Talk: Mood Swings or Something More?

August 14, 2024

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Teen Talk: Mood Swings or Something More?

Being a teenager can be tough. Between school stress, friend drama, and changing hormones, it’s no wonder their moods can swing like a pendulum. But how do you know when it’s just normal teenage angst or something more serious, like depression?

Spotting the Signs:

How can you tell the difference between normal teenage mood swings and depression? Here are some red flags that may signal depression in your teenager:

Sadness that won’t go away: Feeling down for a couple of days is normal. Weeks of sadness, with little to no happy moments, could be a sign of depression.
Losing interest in the fun stuff: Did your once-enthusiastic gamer teen suddenly ditch their favorite video game? Are hobbies and activities they used to love collecting dust? This could be another sign of depression.
Changes in sleep and eating: Sleeping all the time or not being able to sleep at all? Eating way more or way less than usual? These changes can be a symptom of depression.
Feeling discouraged or unappreciated: Comments like “I’m such a loser” or “Nothing will ever get better” are a big cause for concern.
Withdrawal from friends and family: Teens may seem more withdrawn and isolate themselves from the people they care about.

Helping Your Teenager:

If you see these signs in your teen, the most important thing is to talk to them.
Let them know you care and you’re there for them. Here are some tips:

Pick a good time to talk: Don’t bring it up during a heated moment. Find a calm time when you can both relax and listen.
Listen without judgment: Let them express themselves without getting upset.
Offer support, not blame: Don’t say things like “Snap out of it!” Instead, offer support and let them know you want to help.
Encourage professional help: Let them know that seeing a therapist or counselor is normal and can be a great way to feel better.

Resources:

You’re not alone! Here are some resources that can help:

Community Health Choice: We offer mental health services, including therapy, for teens. Call our Behavioral Health/Substance Abuse Hotline at 1.855.539.5881 to learn more.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you’re worried about your teen’s safety, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or visit their website https://988lifeline.org/ for 24/7 support.
The Jed Foundation: This website https://jedfoundation.org/ has great information on teen mental health.

Remember, depression is a treatable condition. With support and professional help, your teen can feel better and get back to enjoying life.