What is depression?
Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that causes feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness that can interfere with your day-to-day activities, relationships, and performance at school or work.
While the condition typically emerges in early adulthood, adolescents and younger children can experience this debilitating condition.
Depression lasts longer than the sadness that everyone feels from time to time, sometimes lasting for months or even years. While in some cases, depression can stem from loss, it might not have an easily identifiable trigger.
What causes depression in adolescents?
Depression is caused by abnormal brain chemistry and activity in the region of the brain that regulates your mood. However, other factors can contribute to depression and increase your child’s risk of developing the condition. Common risk factors for depression include:
- A family crisis like death or divorce
- Pessimistic personality type
- Problems at home, like frequent arguments
- Substance abuse
- Bullying
- Social media
- Trauma
- Financial stress
Additionally, if you or other family members have depression or another mental health condition, your child has a higher chance of experiencing depression.
What are the signs that my teenager is depressed?
The moods of teenagers are challenging to interpret, but you can learn some depression warning signs so you can take action if you’re concerned about your child. Some of the common warning signs of depression that you might see in your child include:
- Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Increased tearfulness
- Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep habits
- Dropping grades
- Increased irritability
- Social withdrawal from family and friends
- Always tired or fatigued
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- Preoccupation with death or suicide
If you notice these symptoms in your child, make an appointment at EXIS Youth for evaluation and treatment. Depression is treatable, and your child can regain their health and quality of life.
If you think your child is at risk of suicide, take them to your nearest emergency room for immediate help.
How is depression treated?
The team at EXIS Youth offers customized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and lifestyle adjustments to treat depression.
They offer individual, group, and family therapy, as well as experiential therapies, including yoga, meditation, recreation, and art therapy.
Your provider creates a personalized program to help your child explore their thoughts and feelings, as well as learn coping strategies to resolve their emotions and regulate their behaviors.
Call EXIS Youth or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment for depression.
