With intense hormonal and physical changes during puberty, our teenage years are some of the most mentally and emotionally challenging part of our lives. Oftentimes, teenagers tend to exhibit heightened levels of moodiness during this period. Is this merely a phase? Or is this a sign of something more serious like depression which requires professional help? 

In this article, we will outline the key symptoms and signs of teenage depression, providing tips on how you, as teachers or parents, can help a teenager battling depression, and also available interventions for depression in Singapore.

 

Symptoms and signs of teenage depression

The first sign that people might notice is withdrawal. This happens when a teenager loses interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy. Other symptoms, such as changes in their overall mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels, are some signs that might be more noticeable. Here are some other examples of general symptoms that might indicate the occurrence of teenage depression:

• Easily irritable

• Easily crying

• Getting hostile or angry over small matters

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping

• Not wanting to talk about their future 

• Increased negativity and sensitivity about themselves and what others “perceive” about them

• Change in appetite – eating excessively or losing appetite

• Negligence of personal hygiene and appearance

• Thoughts about suicide or self-harm

If several signs are noticed, it is crucial for family members or adults to be especially vigilant. Teachers can also play their part in helping parents identify certain school-related signs and symptoms, such as:

• Changes in how their free time is spent – more time alone and interact less with their usual group of friends

• Drop in concentration in class

• Noticeable drop in their academic performance

It is crucial for parents and teachers to be aware that depression comes in two forms. There is major depressive disorder (MDD) in which some of these symptoms might occur in several episodes that occur from two weeks or more. On the other hand, there is dysthymia, otherwise known as persistent depressive disorder, in which some of the symptoms might not be as severe as MDD. However, the signs and symptoms last longer, sometimes up to several years.

 

How to help a teenager with depression

While it can get upsetting and worrying to see your teenage child struggling with their mental health, there are ways that you can do to support them.

 

Parental advice

If your teenager shows signs of depression, a good starting point is to show and tell them your concerns calmly. By approaching them in a non-confrontational way, they will feel more comfortable opening up to share how they feel. You could also spend quality time with them, doing activities they would usually enjoy. It is also worth coming up with a risk communication system with them if you are worried that they might be at risk of self-harm. An example of this is the traffic light system in which each colour represents their risk level.

 

Teacher’s advice 

If you find any of your students showing signs of depression, there are a couple of ways you can support them, allowing their time at school to be as safe and comfortable as possible. A good starting point is to interact with them away from their classmates, whether it is getting them to meet you in the staffroom or holding them back at the end of class. It is also highly crucial to clarify and maintain confidentiality. Another way of support would be to explain some of the available sources of mental and emotional support in and outside of school that they can have access to.

 

Interventions for depression in teenagers

Depression interventions often use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapy technique. It is a therapy technique in which the psychotherapy session is conducted solely through conversations, helping the teenager process their behaviour, mood, and thoughts in a safe and nonjudgmental space. CBT also helps teenagers identify and develop adaptive skills to help them challenge and overcome certain unhelpful thinking patterns.

 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the key message that we want to get across to every teenager suffering from depression is that it is manageable. It is a serious mental health issue, which is why it is crucial that they get whatever help they can. And as parents or teachers, your role is to guide them to such help, as well as to provide whatever emotional and mental support that you can.

At Annabelle Psychology, we walk together with our clients and support them in their journey to better mental and emotional health. With our team of experienced mental health professionals, we believe that we can provide your teenager with the necessary help in overcoming depression. On top of depression therapy, we also provide other forms of assistance, such as therapy for abuse and an employee assistance programme (EAP), among others. Visit us at https://www.annabellepsychology.com/ to find out more!