Teens may need parents to notice signs of depression

By Staff Writer

According to the Greenwich Citizen, teens may have periods of depression, but lasting sadness can be a sign of a more serious issue. The pressures of adolescence, ranging from academic competitiveness to peer relationships, can be overwhelming for some young adults.

Parents who are unsure if their child's moodiness may be a signifier for a serious problem may want to be aware of certain behavioral warning signs, as teens often display depression differently than adults. Teens are often unable to identify the symptoms of depression, and must rely on parents to recognize their condition, according to the news source.

Some signs of depression in teens include sadness, hopelessness, irritability, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue and suicidal thoughts, among others.

According to research conducted by PBS, major depression affects approximately 15 million American adults or about 8 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds.