preschool arctic animal crafts Article

Teenage Depression?
By Dr. Jennifer B. Baxt, DMFT, NCC, DCC
Most everyone recognizes that moodiness is a normal part of being a teenager, whether parents like to accept it or not. Teenagers are at a time in their life when they are going through numerous changes in both the mind and the body. They are in the transition from child to adult, which means hormonal imbalances and changes that can cause a change in a teen’s mood. It is also a time in their life when they are starting to assert their independence, which can cause some friction with the parents, but this is also seen as a normal part of the stage.

With all these changes in an individual going through their teenage years, it can be difficult for parents to recognize if their teenager is just moody or if they are suffering from depression. Telling the difference can be difficult, especially if the parents haven’t taken the time to find out what the signs of depression are and to be able to tell the difference between the usual moodiness and depression. It could partly be due to the fact that many parents will not believe or have it cross their mind that their teenage child may be prone to depression. What parents have to come to realize is that every teenager goes through their stresses and with these stresses some can fall into a depression. Signs of teenage depression can be recognized by increased irritability, loss of interest in their usual activities, anger, frustration, sadness, restlessness, lack of enthusiasm, fatigue and difficulty in concentrating. One or more of these signs can easily indicate that the teenager may be suffering from depression. Seeing one or two of these signs may not necessarily mean that the teenager is depressed, but if a parent suspects that depression

might be possible they should talk to their teenage son or daughter about it. Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to have the child talk with an online counselor. Even if they are not depressed, it could help to talk to someone about some of the stresses they are feeling from school, home and work, if they work after school. If they are depressed, then getting the teenager to speak with a counselor sooner than later will help the individual immensely before any real damage is caused by their developing depression.

Online counseling is available to anyone who is looking for suggestions, advice or just someone to talk to. Part of the reason why teenagers can find it difficult to consult a counselor is the fear that others will find out and call them crazy. Online therapy offers a teenager the chance to communicate with an online therapist without the worry that other people at school will find out what they are doing. They can also feel more comfortable with communication with a counselor online because they feel it is a more secure and confidential way to get the help they need for their depression. Online counseling is also extremely convenient and doesn’t require a parent to take their kid to a counselor’s office.

Jennifer Baxt is the owner of CompleteCounselingSolutions.com which offers a variety of online counseling services. If you would like to know more about Jennifer or any of our online therapists, visit our website.