Identifying Symptoms of Depression

Recognizing the signs of depression in teens is essential for early intervention and long-term mental health. Unlike adults, teens may not always express sadness openly. Instead, depression can manifest as irritability, frequent mood swings, withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed, a drop in academic performance, changes in sleep or eating habits, or expressions of worthlessness or hopelessness. In some cases, teens may show signs through physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical cause. Increased sensitivity to rejection, reckless behavior or talk of death or suicide are also serious red flags.