Being a teenager is not easy! The combination of hormonal changes and dealing with the stress and issues of being a teenager can cause moodiness, which is normal. Because of this it can difficult to tell what is depression. Below are some symptoms to watch for to identify depression. Make sure to talk to a school counselor, responsible adult or a doctor if you or someone you know might be depressed.

Sign 1

Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, neck aches, arms or legs hurt due to muscle tension, digestive disorders. (ruling out other medical causes)

Sign 2

Persistent unhappiness, negativity, irritability.

Sign 3

Uncontrollable anger or outbursts of rage.

Sign 4

Overly self-critical, unwarranted guilt, low self-esteem. Inability to concentrate, think straight, remember, or make decisions, possibly resulting in refusal to study in school or an inability (due to depression or attention deficit disorder) to do schoolwork.

Sign 5

Slowed or hesitant speech or body movements, or restlessness (anxiety).

Sign 6

Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities.

Sign 7

Low energy, chronic fatigue, sluggishness.

Sign 8

Change in appetite, noticeable weight loss or weight gain, or abnormal eating patterns.

Sign 9

Chronic worry, excessive fear.

Sign 10

Preoccupation with death themes in literature, music, drawings, speaking of death repeatedly, fascination with guns/knives.

Sign 11

Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.

Also…

a depressed teenager might be showing signs through other destructive behaviors such as eating disorders, drug abuse or unprotected sex. They might have demonstrated a loss of focus on academic goals, separate themselves from loved ones and stop caring about their appearance.

If you or someone you know needs help now, please go to our hotline page for numbers to call for help.

Source: Helpguide.org