Teenage or adolescene is the time when most of the individuals feel that their lives have been turned upside down. At one time they believe that everything is good and life couldn’t have been better, but the next moment they feel that their lives have been thrown out of gear. Therefore, most of the teenagers tend to behave in unique ways. On several occasions, teenagers may exhibit sadness that may look similar to depression. As a parent, you should be able to differentiate between your teen’s moodiness and depression. Remember, teenage and adolescence is a period of strife. But it can also become a period of positive growth if the teen and her/his parents adopt a positive attitude and deal with different issues through communication, love, respect and understanding.
Teenagers’ moodiness behavioral exhibits
Teenagers tend to be moody. This is the age when they encounter several changes in their body. Their lives are turned upside down and they are always pressurized to form a unique identity. All these hormonal changes, growth spurt and societal pressures can cause moodiness. While for some teenagers this moodiness is temporary, others have to deal with the problem of mood swings.
Some of them act out their moodiness by indulging in mildly rebellious behavior. This is majorily because teenagers feel conflicted. Plus, parents during different situation call their teens ‘kids’ or ‘adults’ (you are old enough to clean your own room’ or ‘you aren’t old enough to party till late nights). This kind of parental behavior adds to their confusion.
Several teenagers may find other ways of dealing with their developmental changes by listening to punk/rock music that parents might not understand or by dressing up outrageously in gothic fashion. They may start doing activities that they probably didn’t like before. But this is primarily because they are in the process of developing their own social and emotional identity or peer pressure.
Recognizing teen depression
Teen depression is an althogether different issue and has different symptoms. Mood swings are common for the teens suffering from depression, but a teen with depression may mostly feel sad. The teen may lose interest in the activities that she/he once loved to perform. But as a parent you need to make sure why your teen is losing interest. If the loss of interest is because of the temporary reasons like homework or part time job, then you possibly don’t have to worry. But if there isn’t an apparent reason behind it, then you might have to worry.
If your teen appears to be depressed, then note her/his sleeping and eating patterns. Although, you might find that your teen has a changed appetite and sleep pattern (owing to developmental changes), yet extreme changes may be a consequence of depression. For instance, if your teen has persistent difficulties in sleeping or her/his appetite drops or shoots suddenly, then she/he might be depressed.
Teenagers with depression may appear hopeless, have feeling of guilt and sadness. You may have to notice their day to day behavior to know if their self-worth or self-esteem has decreased extremely. Remember, if your teen persistently thinks or talks about death and suicide to you or friends, then take the sign seriously and opt for a professional help.
Seeking help, there is hope
1. Firstly, talk to your teen. Develop and utilize all communication channels. Although, most of the teenagers might not be willing to talk to their parents about their lives, but if you try, you can become your teen’s best friend. So, don’t be judgmental about what your teen tells you and have an unconditional positive regard for your teen. This will allow her/him to come to you when there is a problem.
2.Try to spend some quality time with your teen. Opt for doing her/his favorite activity together. Notice about the subtle changes in your teens lifestyle.
3. If you notice that your teen is depressed, then seek professional advice. At the same time, try to know the probable cause of the problem. ‘Is your teen depressed about a break-up?’, ‘Is she/he depressed because of peer pressure to look cool?’ or ‘Is it because of studies or family problems like divorce?’ Once, you notice the cause of the problem, try to deal with it.
4. As a parent make sure that you make your teen feel loved and respected. Your teenager might like to give her/his opinion over different issues, so include her/him in some of the family disscussions. Also, allow her/him an environment to fully express their feelings and needs. Remember, family dynamics are an important reason behind teenage depression. So, try to provide a positive family structure.
5. In case your teen exhibits hopelessness or thoughts about suicide, make sure that you explain your love and affection for her/him. Talk to a guidance counselor or a psychologist to help your child deal with depression.
