Symptoms of Depression in Adolescents

Depression in teens can affect how they think, feel and behave, causing emotional, functional and physical problems.

Emotional Changes:

– Feelings of sadness or crying spells for no apparent reason

– Frustration or anger, even over small matters

– Feeling hopeless or empty

– Irritable or annoyed mood most of the day

– Loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities or family and friends

– Low self-esteem

– Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

– Fixation on past failures or self-blame and self-criticism

– Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure

– Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

– Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak

– Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Behavioral Changes

– Tiredness and loss of energy

– Insomnia or sleeping too much

– Changes in appetite (decreased appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain)

– Use of alcohol or drugs

– Agitation or restlessness (pacing, inability to sit still)

– Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

– Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches

– Social isolation

– Poor school performance or frequent absences

– Less attention to hygiene or appearance

– Angry outbursts, risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors

– Self-harm (cutting, burning, etc)

– Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt