About 4.4% of children aged 3-17 years old in the U.S. are diagnosed with depression. Depression is one of the leading mental health disorders U.S. children struggle with, and yet, sometimes it can be difficult to recognize if your teen is struggling with depression. Depression, if left untreated, can not only negatively impact a teen’s general well-being, but it can put them at a heightened risk for substance abuse and suicide. If your child is displaying signs of a depressed teenager, it’s essential they seek professional help. 

There are countless mental health treatment centers available to help teens struggling with depression and other forms of mental health disorders. CTRL Care is a leading behavioral healthcare facility that provides comprehensive mental health treatment for teens and young adults. Whether your teen is struggling with a mental health disorder or problematic technology use, we are here to help your teen live a happier, healthier, more balanced life.

Contact us today to discover how we can help your teen on their recovery journey.

Common Signs of Depression in Teens

Anyone at any age can struggle with mental illness. If you suspect your teen may be struggling with depression, here are some common signs of depression in teens to look out for.

• Sadness (seemingly for no reason) for long periods of time
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty making decisions
• More irresponsible behavior than normal (i.e., skipping school)
• Loss of appetite
• Withdrawal from friends
• Feeling helpless
• Unexplained crying 
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Bad grades/an unusual decline in school performance

Although each individual is different and thus may show varying signs of depression in teens if you notice your teen is showing any of the above signs, this may point to your child suffering from depression. 

Cause of Depression in Teens

It can be difficult to notice and watch your teen struggle with depression. Your mind may instantly wonder why your teen is struggling with depression. And, how can you help your teen?

There are several potential reasons why a teenager may be struggling with depression. Common causes of depression in teens can be broken down into various categories, like:

• Traumatic life event: A teen has gone through or is going through difficult life events. This can range from experiencing the divorce of their parents to losing a loved one, etc.
• Social situation: Living through difficult life experiences such as family issues can trigger depressive symptoms in teens.
• Genetics: If there is a family history of depression, a teen is more likely to experience depression themselves.
• Abusing Illegal Drugs: Abusing certain drugs or alcohol can also cause depression. 

How to Help A Depressed Teenager 

Rather than trying to “fix” your depressed teenager yourself, listen to your teen and provide judgment-free support to help your teen better manage their depressive symptoms. While parents can offer a great, loving support system, if your child is showing signs of depression in teen, it’s important to consider seeking professional help for your teen to better manage their depression.

Mental health treatment can offer the essential care and support your teen needs to get back to living a normal, happy, healthy life. While there are no quick fixes or overnight remedies to “cure” depression, there are various therapies, from one-on-one counseling to group therapy and more, to help teens struggling with depression seek the support they need to manage their symptoms of teen depression better. 

Leading Mental Health Treatment For Teens and Young Adults

It can be challenging watching someone struggle with signs of teen depression. Fortunately, help is available for teens and young adults struggling with a mental health disorder. There are many resources and mental health treatment centers to help teens and young adults struggling with depression. Depression left untreated can significantly impact a teen’s quality of life. This is why seeking professional care and support is essential to better manage one’s mental health condition. 

At CTRL Care, we are committed to providing comprehensive, one-of-a-kind care to help teens and young adults struggling with mental illness. Our mental health treatment center in New Jersey offers a broad range of treatment options, from mental health treatment to technology addiction treatment, so teens can better manage their symptoms and live a happier, healthier life. If you notice your child showing signs of teenage depression, help is available. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your teen better manage their depression.