4 Wrong Assumptions that Parents Make About Teens and Depression

Teenage depression is a worrisome condition. Not just for the adolescents who are suffering it, but for the parents who may very well be blinded to the depression symptoms. Occasionally it is the upbringing of mom and dad, or adult peer group pressure, which makes parents simply discount depression as mere moodiness. Adding insult to injury, this is the time when your teen needs you the most -- even as he is pushing you away. So what should you know about teens and depression today?

Wrong Assumption #1: Depression Symptoms and Teen Drama are identical

Wrong! Slamming the door is a dramatic expression of a bad mood. The hole that your teen punched into the drywall is also a lot of show. On the flipside are the emotions that go hand in hand with true teenage depression. The University of Houston identifies feelings of "sadness, dejection, lack of energy, hopelessness" as well as isolation. A teen, who is sullen over the prospect of having to clean out his room, acts different than a teen who despairs over feelings of abject loneliness.

Mistaken Theory #2: It's just the Hormones

Granted, puberty and the hormonal changes that it brings do lead to some significant mood swings. Nary has a teenager escaped these occasionally dark moods followed by explosive temper tantrums. On the flipside are the symptoms of depression that teens display. Rather than the rollercoaster up and down of hormonal change, teenage depression is consistent for "at least two weeks." Proverbial adolescent moodiness usually resolves itself in about a day or two.

Misguided Premise #3: Teenage Depression happens to others

Not necessarily. Do you have someone in your extended family who might have had depression, or is currently battling with the illness? Genetics, as well as personal trauma and stress, are contributing factors to clinical depression. Statistics bear out that approximately 20 percent of individuals will suffer a bout of depression before ever reaching adulthood.

Unfounded Hope #4: He'll just have to snap out of it

The old 'pulling up at the bootstraps' type of thinking is a common response to teenage depression, usually by frustrated parents who fail to recognize depression symptoms. It is easy to get caught up in the minutiae of daily life and hone in on the bad grades, disrespectful attitudes and mouthy back-talk that the adolescent dishes out. I have fallen into the same trap! The trick here is to look past the facade of teenage bravado and actively examine the adolescent's attitudes for signs and symptoms of depression.

Why it matters to let go of Prejudice

Teenage depression is real. University of Wisconsin researchers have found that parental closeness leads to open conversations and subsequently helps parents to gauge whether their youngsters need professional help to overcome depression symptoms. If your youngster does not feel heard but instead considers herself consistently judged -- and found lacking -- you effectively slam shut the door to any closeness and communication.

Sources

University of Houston; "Depression in Adolescents"

University of Wisconsin; "Teens and depression"

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