Depression can affect how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves. In extreme cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts. It’s important to know if your teen is depressed versus being a normal, moody teen.
“All teens can go through periods where they’re down or they’re cranky, they’re irritable, they’re just mean,” says Dr. Paul Croarkin (pronounced Cork-in), a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist.
A moody teen has brief bursts of teen angst, usually focused only toward mom and dad, or other authority figures. But a depressed teen has mood changes that are consistent across environments.
These may be signs that your teen needs to be evaluated for depression.
“Start with a primary care provider, a family practice health care provider, a pediatrician or a mental health provider,” says Dr. Croarkin.
He says lifestyle changes, such as strict sleeping schedules, monitoring screen usage, eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, sometimes can help in mild cases.
“For moderate or severe symptoms, teenagers will benefit from things like psychotherapy or the judicious use of medications.”
Video by Mayo Clinic/Ian Roth[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
