In 2023, Mental Health America found that 20.17% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 years old reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the last year. This was an increase from a 15.08% in 2022. When untreated, teenage depression is more likely to continue into adulthood. Teenage depression can show up as a change from previous attitudes and behavior.
As an adult supporting a teenager, it is important to remember that depression affects how your teenager thinks, feels, and behaves. Teenage depression will show up as emotional, functional, and physical problems with school, family, and friends. Depressive symptoms are further impacted by peer pressure, academic expectations, and physiological changes.
To better support your teenager, make sure to talk to them and determine whether the changes you see are part of their normal development or a sign of depression. Discuss the ways in which they are managing those feelings and assess if they are seeing life as overwhelming. If the warning signs of depression worsen in intensity or increase in frequency, bring them to a mental health provider, like Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center to be evaluated by a mental health professional.
Book your appointment now to connect with one of our experts.
We understand that situations can make us feel lonely, but we are here to accompany you and provide the best advice for you.
