It’s common for teens and adolescents to experience emotional ups and downs. This can make it confusing to know when feelings of sadness or hopelessness become something more serious, like depression.
Hi, I’m Daniel Jones, a Social Worker at Manhattan Teen & Young Adult Psychology, and in this video I will help you understand the difference between normal teenage mood swings and depression, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
What are Normal Teenage Mood Swings?
Teenagers are going through a period of significant change – physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s normal for them to experience a wider range of emotions than adults, and their moods can shift quickly.
Some signs of normal teenage mood swings include feeling irritable or frustrated one day, and happy the next, or withdrawing from social activities for a short period.
They may also begin feeling self-conscious or insecure about their appearance or experience occasional sadness or tearfulness.
How Do You Recognize the Signs of Depression?
If your teen’s low mood persists for more than two weeks and starts to interfere with their daily living such as school attendance and performance or interactions with friends it could be a sign of depression.
Some additional signs to watch for include loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, where they’re sleeping too much or too little or eating significantly more or less.
Some challenges could also include difficulty concentrating or feeling forgetful, feeling hopeless or worthless, and talking about death or suicide.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Your Teen?
If your teen’s symptoms are severe and don’t improve, it’s time to seek professional help. If they’re talking about suicide or self-harm, and their depression is interfering with their ability to go to school, maintain friendships, or participate in activities they enjoy it’s important to reach out for help immediately.
At Manhattan Teen & Young Adult Psychology, our therapists have extensive experience working with teens and depression. We offer a supportive and confidential environment where your teen can feel comfortable talking about their struggles.
We understand that reaching out for help can be difficult, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and help your teen get back on track.