How Can I Tell If My Teen Is Just Being Moody Or Is Depressed?

Teenagers are often stereotyped as being moody and having negative attitudes. But, many of those stereotypes are in place for a reason. 

Teens are going through hormonal changes, trying to figure out what they want in life, and trying to navigate school and social relationships all at once. It’s normal for them to be a little moody sometimes. 

But, there’s a fine line between moodiness and something more serious going on. As a parent, you might not want to think about your teen dealing with something like depression. But, it’s more prevalent than most people realize, often because of the same changes and pressures listed above. 

So, how can you tell if your teen is just being moody or if they’re actually depressed? 

Understand the Common Signs

You know your teen better than anyone. If they tend to be a little moody at times, it might just be their personality or they might just be having a bad day. But, if they start displaying other symptoms or not acting like themselves, pay attention. Some of the most common signs of teen depression include: 

• Loss of interest in things they typically enjoy

• Withdrawal from friends

• Avoiding hanging out with family

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Being sad or angry

• Declining performance in school 

If any of these signs look familiar and your teen has been exhibiting them lately, it could be time to step in. But, the last thing you want is to make them feel pressured or cornered. Approaching them the right way could make all the difference in the world when it comes to them getting help. 

When to Talk to Your Teen

As a parent, realizing your teen is struggling with depression can feel overwhelming. It’s instinctual to want to jump in and help however you can. But, “forcing” your teen to talk or admit they’re depressed can do more harm than good. 

Instead of cornering your teenager about what they’re going through, let them know you’re there. Say something like, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been spending much time with your friends lately,” or “you’ve been sleeping a lot more than usual lately, is everything okay?”

These statements and questions can open up a conversation where your teen doesn’t feel pressured to dive into everything they’re feeling, but it can start to tear down walls. When they know someone is there for them and willing to be a support system, they’re likely to become more willing to open up over time. 

But, when is the right time to step in? When you notice that your teenager’s depression has started to impact their quality of life, it’s time to take action. That might include getting poor grades in school or noticing that their physical health is declining because of the changes in their eating or sleeping habits. 

If your teen has been talking about harming themselves in any way, step in immediately to help. 

The Best Treatment for Teen Depression

Opening up the door to talk to your teenager about their depression is a good start. But, if they’re really struggling, therapy is often the best option. 

A therapist can help your teen get to the underlying cause of their depression. Maybe it’s something to do with school, relationships, or something deeper that they don’t even fully realize. While it’s not always easy to get to the root, it’s a necessary first step in the healing process. 

Therapy will also help your teen learn how to manage their symptoms and cope in healthy, effective ways. The things they learn now will be carried into adulthood, so they’ll know how to manage their mental well-being on their own. 

If you’re concerned that your teen might be dealing with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible for teen counseling or depression treatment.