Teen depression in the United States is a more common mental health condition than you might imagine. Teens from all socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds suffer from it. Depression is more than just feeling down or sad. It’s a severe mental illness that can interfere with every aspect of life, including school and personal relationships. For those teenaged boys who are seriously depressed, a teen depression treatment program can provide the help needed.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® knows how critical the need for high-quality depression treatment is for teenage boys. Our compassionate team works exclusively with adolescent boys ages 14–17. At our center, they can learn how to manage their emotions and cope with depression symptoms healthily. To learn about the advantages of teen mental health treatment, contact Foothills at Red Oak at 866.300.5275 today.
Dealing with Depression
Millions of teens in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode within the past year. These are some of the symptoms teenaged boys may experience with depression:
Sleep Problems
Many teens struggle with sleeping once in a while. However, those with depression have more serious issues unrelated to temporary insomnia. They may also feel like sleeping all the time or don’t sleep enough. For teenaged boys with depression, this can become an ongoing problem causing strain on their relationships, schoolwork, and personal responsibilities.
Cognitive Decline
Teenaged boys with depression may find it hard to focus, leading to forgetful and indecisive behavior. Cognitive decline can also make it harder to spot when something is wrong since memory and judgment can become impaired.
Physical Problems
Constant aches, fatigue, and chronic pain are commonly reported among teens with depression. They will deal with different problems, such as:
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Backaches
These problems may stem from an interruption in the mind-body connection that can magnify small problems or manifest emotional distress into physical pain.
Extreme Sadness
Feeling sad is a common emotion for everyone. But the sadness that comes with depression is crippling. It has hopelessness attached to it. Teenaged boys with depression may also feel helpless, and anyone who tries to intervene cannot possibly offer real solutions. Some teens may have suicidal thoughts due to the intensity of sadness.
Why Are Teens So Depressed?
Teen depression is a multifaceted issue influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal changes during adolescence can significantly affect mood and emotional stability, making teens more susceptible to feelings of sadness and despair.
Psychologically, the pressure to excel academically, socially, or in extracurricular activities can create overwhelming stress. Socially, exposure to unrealistic standards on social media and challenges in navigating complex friendships or family dynamics contribute to feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Additionally, genetic predisposition to mental health conditions and environmental factors, such as trauma or neglect, further exacerbate the risk of depression in teens. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach that incorporates mental health education, accessible resources, and supportive environments.
The Connection Between Depression Disorder and Substance Use
Many teenaged boys who are depressed turn to drugs to relieve their feelings. Drugs numb the feelings at the moment but make things worse in the end. It makes it harder to heal because someone can block out the emotions that are bothering them.
In addition, when teenaged boys use drugs to deal with depression, they often end up with a substance use disorder.
Signs of substance abuse include:
- Taking someone else’s medication
- Buying illegal drugs
- Taking too much of a prescribed medication
- Taking medication to feel high
- Mixing medications with alcohol for a high
How to Help a Teen with Depression
If teen boys with a dual diagnosis, such as depression and substance use disorder, receive treatment in a depression treatment program, they can find help for their substance use. At our depression treatment center in NC, a professional therapist evaluates every client’s situation and guides them through the proper therapy and treatment for healing. Some evidence-based treatments that are particularly helpful for dual diagnosis are:
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family unit. It aims to enhance relationships and strengthen bonds among family members.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
A goal-oriented therapy that helps teen boys identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A type of therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques. It’s particularly beneficial for teenaged boys struggling with emotional regulation and self-destructive behaviors.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves a small group of teen boys with similar challenges or goals. It provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and developing coping skills.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions with a therapist, tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. It provides a safe space to explore personal issues, gain self-awareness, and work toward personal growth and healing.
Teen Depression Treatment Center in North Carolina at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®, our compassionate therapists are ready to assist your teenaged son with his mental health and substance use disorder. No matter what symptoms he’s struggling with, our therapists can guide him to a solution.
Don’t let mental health and substance abuse disorders interfere with your son’s peace of mind. They can overcome the depression in their life. Reach out to a qualified teen depression treatment center for assistance by calling us at 866.300.5275 or using our online contact form.
