It is often a period of rebellion and behavioral experimentation. At times, it may be difficult to differentiate between the limit-testing behavior of adolescence and signs of possible depression. Everyone feels down or sad some of the time. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
Teenagers suffering from depression often display a cluster of specific symptoms.
Signs of possible depression include sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, increase or decrease in weight, insomnia or sleeping too much, agitation or fatigue, feeling worthless or guilty, decreased ability to think or concentrate, feeling bad even when good things happen, feeling like a failure, lack of motivation, difficulty making decisions, and suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of individuals with depression, even the most serious forms, can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved with a combination of psychological therapies and medications. The most important step toward treating depression, and sometimes the most difficult, is asking for help.