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According to the KFF analysis report on teenage mental health, 1 in 5 teens report symptoms of anxiety or depression. These are two of the most common mental health challenges in youth, affecting nearly 40% of all teens [1].
Each disorder can exist on its own, although anxiety and depression have a high co-morbidity rate. It’s normal for teens who struggle with depression to have anxiety and vice versa. Anxiety and depression can have long-term effects on a teen’s relationships, academic performance, mental and physical health.
Read on to understand how to recognize depression or anxiety in your teen and strategies to support their mental health.
Understanding Teen Depression
Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in youth, affecting nearly 20% of teens each year. It’s important to remember that depression isn’t just about feeling sad, it is a shift in brain chemicals that primarily affects mood. However, it can impact several other areas of a teen’s life, including their physical health [2].
There are several types of depression disorders, some of these [3]:
- Major depressive disorder, or “clinical depression” is the most commonly diagnosed depressive disorder. Symptoms often include hopelessness, lack of energy, low motivation, and a change in sleep or appetite. These episodes can last from 2 weeks to several months.
- Persistent depressive disorder is similar to major depression, except episodes last a shorter period (2 to several weeks) and symptoms are less intense.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects teenage girls the week before or during their menstrual cycle. It is caused by a change in hormones and can make teens feel aggressive, sad, or angry. PMDD may also be accompanied by abdominal cramps, headaches, and sore breasts.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by a change in the seasons. It typically affects teens and adults in northern US states with fewer months of sunshine. Less sunlight during the winter can affect chemicals in the brain that impact mood, cognition, and emotions.
Warning Signs
Sometimes teenage depression is not always easy to spot. It can show up as other mental health disorders or even physical health conditions. However, the signs are usually there. If you recognize warning signs of depression in your teen consider speaking with them about their mental health, or reaching out for professional support.
Some of the common warning signs of depression in teens include:
- Persistent sad mood or hopelessness
- Loss of pleasure in daily activities
- Lack of motivation
- Sudden academic decline
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Irritability or aggression
- Physical discomfort such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle and joint pain
Understanding Teen Anxiety
According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 32% of US teens are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. During an episode of anxiety, the brain feels a sense of danger (even if none is present) and puts the body into fight or flight mode.
When the body goes into survival, the stress hormone cortisol is released—leading to increased stress levels and inflammation. Unresolved anxiety can impact teen relationships, academics, and overall physical health [4].
There are a few kinds of anxiety disorders that affect teens. Some of these include [4]:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder. Teens with GAD often worry about several events or situations for at least 6 months.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is anxiety related to social situations or interactions with people. Teens may struggle to form connections, interact with their peers, and practice basic social skills such as ordering food or calling someone on the phone.
- Panic disorder is characterized by frequent panic attacks and the fear of having a future panic attack. A panic attack is a quick spike in anxiety that causes intense physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and blurry vision. Teens who struggle with panic attacks often feel like they are losing control, going crazy, or even having a heart attack.
Warning Signs
If you recognize warning signs of anxiety in your teen, it’s important to have an open conversation with them about their mental health and encourage them to practice healthy strategies to relieve stress.
Common warning signs of anxiety include:
- Persistent worry or fear
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- General tension
- Irritability
- Trouble focusing
- Academic decline
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Increased heart rate, shortness of breath
- Sweating or trembling
How to Support A Depressed or Anxious Teen
If you recognize warning signs of anxiety or depression in your teen, there are several ways you can provide support and help them develop positive coping skills to manage mental health challenges.
- Open conversations in the home around mental health, substance abuse, or other taboo topics can help develop trust with your teen and make them feel like they have a safe space to ask questions, share their experiences, or express curiosity. Teens who can freely speak with their parents about mental health challenges are more likely to reach out during moments of crisis.
- Educate yourself about mental health in teens. It can be distressing not to understand what your teen is going through, and unfortunately, stigma around mental health disorders still exists. Parents can more effectively support their teens by looking at resources and understanding the science behind mental health. A few organizations to help get you started include NAMI, SAMSHA, and KidsHealth.
- Limiting time spent on social media and smartphones is shown to have several benefits for teen mental health. Several researchers have found teens who spend more time on their phones are more likely to feel isolated from their peers and struggle with depression or anxiety.
- Make sure your teen gets enough sleep. Teens should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, although many only get 6 to 8. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety and cause hormonal dysfunctions that contribute to mood swings.
- Encourage your teen to practice positive coping skills to relieve anxiety and boost their mood. These can increase mindfulness and decrease physical stress in the body. Ideas include listening to music, meditation, deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, making art, cooking, or going on a walk outside.
Supporting Teen Mental Health in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of how depression and anxiety can negatively impact a teen’s life. We strive to provide parents with mental health education and offer evidence-based treatments to support teens in recovery.
Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your family.
Sources
[1] Roughly 1 in 5 Adolescents Report Experiencing Symptoms of Anxiety or Depression. 2024. KFF Analysis.
[2] Major Depression. 2023. National Institute of Mental Health.
[3] Kinds of Depression. Child Mind Institute.
[4] Any Anxiety Disorder. 2024. National Institute of Mental Health.
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
