Table of Contents
According to the WHO, nearly 1 in 5 teens in America experiences depression. This is a widespread mental health problem affecting millions of youth across the country [1].
If you have a teen struggling with depression, it can feel distressing knowing that they may experience sadness, hopelessness, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. Depression can wreak havoc on their mental and physical health, social functioning, and emotional well-being. But it doesn’t have to.
As research grows and stigmas are broken, there are more treatments than ever to support teens with depression. For parents, education is the first step in helping to build understanding and foster open communication.
Common Causes of Teen Depression
Depression is often caused by a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors that are still being explored.
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of teen depression with a 40 to 50% heritability rate. Specifically, the 5-HTTLPR gene (serotonin transporter) and Val66Met variant of the BDNF gene (neuroplasticity and brain development) have been associated with increased depressive symptoms in teens [2].
Epigenetics, the interaction of life stressors and genetic predispositions, is also growing as an area of research and clinical practice. For example, teen girls with a higher genetic risk are more sensitive to adverse or stressful life events, which can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression [2].
Hormones
Puberty causes fluctuations in essential hormones that regulate functions such as sleep, communication between chemical messengers in the brain, and emotional regulation.
These include [3]:
- Estrogen levels become higher and fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. This has been linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms in teenage girls.
- Testosterone surges in teen boys can also affect mood, emotional regulation, and energy levels. This is specifically linked to symptoms such as aggression, irritability, and anger.
- Melatonin, the sleep hormone, does not regulate circadian rhythms properly in teens with depression, leading to delayed sleep phases, irregular sleep patterns, and daytime drowsiness.
Nutrition and Gut Health
Growing research shows a direct link between the brain and the gut. And a majority of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, mood, and appetite) is primarily produced in the gut [4]. It’s important for growing teens to get essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that contribute to positive brain health and development.
High amounts of processed or sugary foods have been linked to increased inflammation in the gut microbiome, which can contribute to symptoms of depression, such as brain fog or fatigue [4].
Academic Pressure and Expectations
A review of over 50 studies found a consistent link between academic pressure and mental health problems in teens, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation [5].
Teenagers today face intense pressure to get straight As, prepare for college, develop a skill set, find a side hustle, or even start a business. Although ensuring your teen is successful in life is important, it’s essential to ask what success looks like to them and prioritize their health.
Bullying
Bullying is a high-risk factor for lowering self-esteem in teens. Studies have found that both traditional and cyberbullying are linked to higher levels of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. And that teens who were frequently bullied at age 13-14 are nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression by age 18 [6].
Unresolved Trauma
Teens who experience trauma, such as from a one-time event (e.g., school shooting or natural disaster) or ongoing trauma such as neglect or abuse, are more likely to experience other mental health problems. Studies have found that 24% of youth who experienced trauma developed depression [7].
Signs of Depression in Teens
The signs of depression in teens are not always easy to spot, often showing up as a mix of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms, summarized here:
Physical | Psychological/Emotional | Behavioral |
Inability to sleep (insomnia) or oversleeping (hypersomnia) | Constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional distress without a clear cause | Isolation, social withdrawal, reduced participation in school or extracurricular activities |
Lack of appetite or binge eating, noticeable fluctuations in weight | Fear of future, negative outlook on life, prone to pessimistic point of view | Lack of motivation, loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, |
Frequent headaches or migraines without a clear physical cause | Extreme sensitivity to rejection, failure, and excessive need for reassurance | Aggression, anger, or frustration, violent outbursts, increased conflict with peers or teachers |
Stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, or dry heaving | Focus on past mistakes, or constant self-criticism | Trouble concentrating, and getting easily frustrated when having to make decisions |
Intestinal or bowel problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or reduced nutrient absorption due to increased inflammation and imbalances in the gut | Reduced ability to feel pleasure or joy (emotional apathy) | Lack of self-care and neglecting personal hygiene (e.g., not showering, brushing teeth, a dirty room that goes above and beyond typical teenage “messiness”) |
Low energy, fatigue, getting sufficient sleep, but still feeling “drained” | Chronic feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or “cringe” | Restlessness, agitation, irritability, fidgeting, or inability to sit still (constantly pacing or walking around) |
In severe cases, catatonia could include loss of verbal skills and ability to communicate, slowed motor movements | In severe cases, suicidal ideation or intrusive thoughts related to suicide, self-harm, and death | In severe cases, reckless, risky, or self-harming behaviors that could include substance use, drunk driving, speeding, unsafe sex, cutting or burning oneself |
How Parents Can Help Teens Struggling With Depression
Parents can play a key role in helping their teens manage and overcome feelings of depression by communicating openly and respectfully, creating a safe home environment, and encouraging healthy lifestyle changes.
Effective Communication Strategies
Try to create a safe, non-judgmental space where your teen feels free to express themselves. Many teens struggle to speak out about depression, especially if they believe they have a good life and no reason to feel depressed. This can heighten the feelings of shame, guilt, and stigma.
A few effective communication strategies to achieve this include:
- Speak softly and gently, let them know you care (e.g, “I know you have been feeling overwhelmed and I am here to support you no matter what”).
- Ask open-ended questions, without being demanding. (e.g., “I noticed you haven’t been wanting to ride your bike with friends recently, are you feeling okay?”).Actively listen. Avoid chiming in with judgmental opinions or “you should” statements.
- Avoid minimizing their emotions or experiences, or comparing their experiences to others (e.g., “You have a good life, there is no reason to be depressed”).
Encouraging Healthy Habits and Self-Care
Clinical treatment for teen depression, such as therapy and medication, has better outcomes when paired with positive lifestyle habits, particularly related to sleep, diet, and nutrition.
- Sleep Hygiene: Teens should get 9 to 9 ½ hours of sleep a night. Encourage them to stay off their phone 1-2 hours before bed, do light stretching or yoga, use a weighted blanket, take children’s melatonin, use essential oils, sleep in a cool room, or listen to music or a podcast to wind down their brain.
- Regular Exercise: Movement boosts endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in the brain and has been linked to improved depression symptoms. Encourage teens to get 30 to 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise daily (walking, running, dancing, swimming, playing sports, hiking, biking).
- Nutrition: Encourage a diet with whole foods such as lean proteins like chicken or eggs, omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or avocados, and fruits and vegetables. Fermented foods such as yogurt, pickles, and kimchi have also been linked to improved gut health.
- Self-Care: It’s essential for teens to see themselves as someone worthy to take care of. Encourage them to participate in small self-care habits that relieve stress, boost their emotional well-being, and improve self-esteem. This may include a consistent shower and oral hygiene routine, doing a face or hair mask, taking a bubble bath, and compassionate self-talk.
When Professional Help is Necessary
If you recognize the warning signs of depression in your teen, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional who can connect you with services. Even if your teen isn’t showing signs of severe depression, early intervention, such as weekly therapy or small lifestyle changes, can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Is Outpatient Therapy or Residential Treatment Needed?
Outpatient therapy and residential treatment are both effective options for teens recovering from depression. However, they differ in their intensity, structure, and approach.
- Outpatient therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is ideal for mild to moderate depression, usually meeting weekly. It helps teens reframe negative thoughts, develop positive coping skills to improve mood, and helps them set goals (e.g., trying out for a new sport or club).
- Residential treatment is 24/7 inpatient care that focuses on stabilization for teens with severe cases of depression, such as participating in dangerous, harmful, or suicidal behavior.
How Clearfork Academy Supports Teens With Depression
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health treatment facilities helping teens recover from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as substance abuse. We offer several levels of care, including residential treatment for teens experiencing severe symptoms of depression such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or drug and alcohol abuse.
For teens who seek support but don’t need around-the-clock care, we offer intensive and standard outpatient mental health services such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and medication management. Our programs are tailored to the individual needs of adolescents, and we offer the option for specialized tracks such as faith-based interventions to increase successful treatment outcomes.
Specialized Programs for Teens 13-17
Therapeutic interventions are tailored to the unique developmental needs of growing adolescents. Therapists who work with teens understand the unique social, transitional, and biological challenges that the average teenager experiences, such as identity exploration and formation, challenges for independence and authority, and puberty.
Faith-Based Therapy Combined With Clinical Expertise
Clearfork Academy offers a specialized, faith-based track for teens with depression. We take a balanced approach, combining spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, scripture, and participation in religious activities such as volunteer work, with evidence-based mental health therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-focused therapies, and creative art therapies.
Faith-based interventions focus on concepts such as forgiveness, emotional resilience, and gratitude. This, combined with clinical therapy, can offer a sense of hope for teens recovering from depression.
To learn more about our therapeutic interventions for depression, levels of care, or to verify insurance, contact our admissions team now.
Sources
[1] World Health Organization. 2024. Mental Health of Adolescents.
[2] Xia, L., & Yao, S. (2015). The Involvement of Genes in Adolescent Depression: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 9, 329.
[3] Vijayakumar, N. et al. (2024). Pubertal hormones and mental health problems in children and adolescents: a systematic review of population-based studies. EClinicalMedicine, 76, 102828.
[4] Appleton J. (2018). The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 17(4), 28–32.
[5] Lewis, G. et al. (2023). The association between academic pressure and adolescent mental health problems: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 339, 302–317.
[6] Tong, Y. et al. (2023). Meta-analysis of the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 215.
[7] McKinnon, A. et al. (2022). Trajectory of post-traumatic stress and depression among children and adolescents following single-incident trauma. European journal of psychotraumatology, 13(1), 2037906.
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.
