Perspectives from mental health professionals on understanding the causes and signs of teen depression, what parents can do, and how to move past the stigma of seeking help.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, the total number of adolescents in Canada at risk for developing depression is 3.2 million. When coupled with the alarming fact that suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15 – 24 year old Canadians, it is vital for parents with teenagers to recognize the symptoms of depression as well as understand the causes and treatment options.
Why do Teens Get Depressed?
Depression has a variety of causes. Dr. Tisha Gangopadhyay, Vancouver-based Registered Psychologist explains, “in my practice the most common triggers I see for depression are relationship related – adolescents who are facing a difficult stressor in terms of friendships, social isolation, bullying or breakups.”
She explains that bullying at school or online, difficulty in their relationship with their parents or school-related stress can cause depression.In addition, she emphasizes that some teens may be more susceptible to developing a mood disorder if their family has a history of depression.
Echoing Dr. Tisha Gangopadhyay’s sentiments, Dr. Serina Islam, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Surrey says that teens grapple with puberty, sexuality and “identity issues such as navigating their place in the world and figuring out who they are.” Teens are under immense pressure to succeed in school and figure out their path in life, which can lead to developing “feelings of worthlessness and a sense of inadequacy over their grades.”
Recognizing the Symptoms
Dr. Islam says that some of the signs pointing towards depression in teens include changes in sleeping habits, loss of interest in activities the teen used to take pleasure in, and withdrawal from friends or family.
Similarly, Dr. Gangopadhyay explains, “classic signs include a change in appetite (eating more or less), a change in sleep (sleeping more or less), feeling hopeless or worthless, lack of motivation, low energy, and increased irritability.” She explains that it is important to note that these signs must be a significant change from one’s previous behaviour—for example, if your teenager is always moody, sleeps a lot and doesn’t eat much, and this has been ongoing, then it probably is not a sign of depression. But, if a teen is increasingly showing these symptoms and the behaviour is different from their usual, it is a cause for further investigation.
Another perspective, from Bhupie Dulay, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, explains that signs include “feelings of being tired or slow, and thoughts of suicide or death.”
Normal Moodiness or Sign of Trouble?
It is normal for teens to be moody or irritable. So how does one distinguish between a symptom of depression and normal teenage behavior? According to Health Link BC, your teen may need to be evaluated for depression if she or he :
- Is continuously sad or irritable, not with just the parents but friends as well
- Is sad or irritable without a known trigger
- Shows no pleasure with friendships or activities enjoyed in the past
- Doesn’t ask for added privileges such as driving the car or going out with friends on a school night
- Displays unprovoked or unexplained anger or anxiety
- Complains of symptoms such as headaches or stomach pain that have no physical cause
- Breaks down crying often and doesn’t know why
- Has a sudden, noticeable decrease in school performance.
How can Parents Help a Depressed Teen?
One of the most effective ways a parent can help their teen, according to Dulay, is communicating without judgment and working to understand what their teen is going through. Once parents have spoken with their teen, they can take appropriate steps such as “seeking support from resources including school counsellors, mental health professionals, and doctors” to help build a support system for the teen.
Parents should offer support and assist in seeking professional help to ensure the teen doesn’t feel alone, says Dr. Islam. She also suggests that parents should read up on depression and make an effort to learn about it, just as they would with any other medical condition.
Lastly, parents should try to be open-minded and encouraging, as this helps ensure the teen is comfortable speaking about their thoughts and feelings, says Dr. Gangopadhyay. She believes that parents should try to be as supportive as possible, despite how frustrating it might get.
Seeking Treatment and Fighting Stigma
It is often suggested that stigma keeps teens and families from seeking mental health treatment. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, almost half of those who have suffered depression have not seen a doctor about this problem. On this issue, Dr. Gangopadhyay emphasizes that parents need to keep in mind that their teen’s health is of paramount importance—not what others think.
She is hopeful that over time, mental health will be discussed more openly in such a way that stigma surrounding seeking treatment will dissipate. She already finds that people are now more willing to discuss mental health (both in the media and in day-to-day conversations) than in the past.
“It does not reflect badly on family members or the individual if one has depression,” says Dr. Islam, who adds that depression can be treated with anonymity and confidentiality.
It is very important to talk about mental health with your teen and make sure they know that there is no shame in admitting that they are struggling and need to seek help.
Depressed teens may also be reluctant to seek help. They may worry about what others will think, or believe that they are weak if they seek help, explains Dulay. But having a conversation with your teen, and reminding them that talking about their struggles requires immense strength, bravery and courage will allow them understand that seeking help is anything but weak.
What are the treatment options?
Depression screening with a family doctor is often the first step, says Dr. Islam. From here, it is common to have a combination of medication and counselling or psychotherapy. Medication is not always required or necessary, and may depend on the individual. As Bhupie Dulay explains, counselling allows teens to “build on their existing strengths, and find new strategies to challenge depression; which is not possible when medication is the only treatment sought.”
Risks of Untreated Depression
Suicide and prolonged suffering are the main risks associated with untreated depression. Without treatment, a teen’s mental health will continue to spiral downwards, often affecting their academics, social life and leisure activities, says to Dr. Gangopadhyay.
Building a Support System
Teens struggling with depression can greatly benefit from having a support system help them along the way. As Dr. Islam explains, “Talking about one's suffering to family members and friends can help teens feel less alienated, isolated and misunderstood – it is important that loved ones are receptive and supportive.” Increased social activity and youth programs can also be beneficial for teens struggling with depression.
It is imperative for parents to have their teen seen by a professional if they are feeling depressed, having thoughts of death or talking of suicide. Teen depression is treatable, and if parents are concerned about their teen, it is better to act sooner than later.
