Depressed teens may spend more time sleeping in bed than usual, or conversely, experience insomnia.

Some depressed teens-usually boys who are the victims of bullying-can become aggressive and violent.

Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, binge drinking, and unsafe sex. Teens may go online to escape their problems, but excessive smartphone and Internet use only increases their isolation, making them more depressed. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.ĭrug and alcohol abuse. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. They may quit a sports team or hobby, for example, or withdraw from family and friends. Outside of school, you might notice that your teen shows less enthusiasm for their favorite hobbies. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. Instead, irritability, anger, and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms. However, teens with depression may not necessarily appear sad. Frequent crying due to an overwhelming sense of hopelessness is a common sign of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain: Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers can be indications of depression. Depression can destroy the essence of your teen’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. While occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected during the teenage years, depression is something different.

No matter how despondent life seems right now, there are many things you can do to change your mood and start feeling better today.

Help is available-and you have more power over your mood than you may think.

Far cry 4 parental guide