Editors Note: This post is written by Krista Lambert as part of our series on finding hope in the midst of depression. In this series, our counselors are helping people understand the reality of depression and how God sustains and helps those who are depressed.
In this post, Krista unpacks how to identify depression affecting a teenager and how to help them respond to the trial of depression by turning to God and others who care about them.
Mood swings, irritability, the desire to be alone… these are just a few of many characteristics by which parents define the teenage years. With all the statistics out there telling us that teen depression and suicide are on the rise, many parents wonder how they will know the difference between what is “normal” and what is a sign that their teen has a deeper problem.
Some symptoms of teen depression include:
Withdrawal– While most teens want more time to themselves and away from family, a major withdrawal from family, and especially from friends or activities they typically would enjoy, is a red flag. It’s okay to calmly and kindly insist on certain protected family times or vocalize concern over too much withdrawal.Low
To continue...read the full-length post originally published on this site.
