Dear Parents/Guardians:
The teen years can be tough on our children. Occasional bad moods are to be expected, however depression is something different. Depression affects teenagers far more often than many of us realize. It’s estimated that one in five adolescents will suffer from depression at some point during their teen years. However, while depression is highly treatable, most depressed teens never receive help.
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers rely on parents, teachers or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the help they need. Teens with depression don’t necessarily appear sad. Instead, irritability, anger and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms.
Other signs and symptoms of teen depression:
1. Sadness or hopelessness.
2. Irritability, anger or hostility.
3. Tearfulness or frequent crying.
4. Withdrawal from friends and family.
5. Loss of interest in activities.
6. Poor school performance.
7. Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
8. Restlessness and agitation.
9. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
10. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation.
11. Fatigue or lack of energy.
12. Difficulty concentrating.
13. Unexplained aches and pains.
14. Thoughts of death or suicide.
If you believe your child is struggling with depression, visit these helpful resources:
Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression - https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/parents-guide-to-teen-depression.htm?pdf=13027
School website - https://www.westmorelandschool.org/Page/1588
You can also contact me at kmuir@westmorelandschool.org for more information and assistance.
Kristen Muir
School Social Worker