Sad teenage girl at school
Being a teenager is stressful. Teenagers today have to ensure that their schoolwork is completed, that they are meeting expectations from their family, and that they have time to communicate with their friends, all while balancing hormonal changes and societal pressures. That’s stressful enough. But what if a teenager is being bullied on social media? What if they have a chronic illness? What if there is a change in family dynamics? The teenager likely becomes even more stressed.
The mental health and the physical health of youth are interconnected, but while youth are encouraged to have regular check-ups with their pediatrician, they are often not encouraged to have regular check-ups with a mental health professional. So then, who do teenagers tell if something is wrong? Do they tell anyone?
As the National Institute of Mental Health reported that 12.8 percent of adolescents 12 to 17 years of age met criteria for depression in 2016, to ensure that teenagers are being monitored for symptoms of depression, screenings for depression are imperative. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a statement that indicated that all teenagers should be screened at least yearly for depression. These screenings ensure that someone is asking teenagers about depression, and perhaps some teens are more comfortable reporting their feelings on an answer form rather than stating them out loud. Screenings provide not only a starting point to make sure someone is asking about depression, but they can also serve as a starting point to set teens up with mental health services if warranted.
Pediatricians should screen for depression, and other physicians or specialists may screen for depression in their offices as well. However, parents and teachers may notice symptoms of depression first. Increased time alone, lack of interest in things that they used to enjoy, sleeping too much (or too little), eating too little (or too much), feeling hopeless or sad, and even thoughts of death or dying—these are some of the symptoms of depression. It is important to discuss symptoms of depression and other mental health concerns openly. It doesn’t have to be a secret. Sometimes, teens may not tell anyone about their depressive symptoms simply because no one asks. Ask.
So what if a teenager indicates depressive symptoms on a screener at their pediatrician’s office, or through a conversation at home? What next? First, ensure that the teen is safe. If they indicate an intent to harm themselves or someone else, please seek immediate treatment at the nearest emergency room or call 911. Once safety is ensured, seek mental health treatment for the teen. The National Institute of Mental Health estimated that of the 3.1 million adolescents with depression in 2016, approximately 60 percent received no treatment at all. There are treatments for depression though, and there is evidence that the treatments work. Treatments can include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Treatments should be administered by licensed mental health professionals, which can include psychologists, therapists, social workers and psychiatrists.
Being a teenager is stressful, and knowing when to ask for help can be hard. But for teenagers with depression, there is hope. There are treatments that work, and professionals who care.
