Being a teenager isn’t easy. First, teens need to keep their grades up in tough high school subjects. Second, they’re pressured to join many extracurricular activities for their college résumé. Third, adolescents often struggle with making friends, dating, and facing bullies. Meanwhile, they’re also dealing with weird new body changes after puberty. Thus, teens are known for being moody and angsty sometimes. However, feeling down for long periods can signal trouble. Namely, teens can become clinically depressed. In fact, the NIMH estimates that 3 million American teens have depression. Unfortunately, most adolescents aren’t aware of or don’t want to admit their negative feelings. Given that, it’s important that parents and guardians watch closely for signs of depression in teens.

At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we recognize the challenges that depression in teens can present. However, we also know that there are treatment options available. For instance, at our adolescent treatment center, we offer treatment for teens battling addiction, trauma, and mental health concerns like depression. We offer a range of evidence-based and experiential treatment options, which we tailor to the needs of teens we treat. To learn more about our mental health treatment programs, like teen depression treatment, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.

Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Of course, everyone has days where they cry and feel blue. But, constant sorrow for two or more weeks might point to depression. Specifically, depressed teens usually have a gloomy, hopeless outlook. Likewise, they lose motivation and energy for routine daily tasks. In effect, their grades at school could drop. Teenagers may also stop doing their favorite hobbies with friends and prefer staying at home and being alone. Generally, depressed kids spend more time sleeping and eating than engaging. Although, depression in teens can cause insomnia or difficulty sleeping. Further, they may cope with negative thoughts through anger. At times, teens feeling criticized will lash out violently. Additionally, adolescents could begin experimenting with drugs to numb their pain.

In some cases, teens with depression may begin to practice self-harming behaviors. These behaviors may include cutting or burning themselves. If you’re a parent who suspects that your teen is self-harming, look for symptoms such as:

• Avoiding social behaviors
• Concealing wounds by wearing loose or baggy clothing
• Finding knives, scissors, razors, or lighters where they don’t belong
• Finding wounds on their body that they make excuses for
• Spending extended periods locked in their bathroom or bathroom

If you suspect that your teen is self-harming, it’s important to encourage them to seek treatment as soon as possible. While they may not see self-harm as dangerous, it could end up being deadly.

How to Address Teen Depression

Depression isn’t a problem to take lightly. Don’t expect your teen to simply cheer up. If left untreated, then depression in teens can get much worse. After all, the CDC records 129 suicides daily on average. So, you’ll want to seek professional help at a depression treatment center. Getting teens to stop refusing therapy can be tricky, though. Hence, it’s vital you encourage open dialogue with your teen. For instance, tell them about all the benefits therapy can bring. Moreover, explain how therapy works to soothe any of their fears. Avoid any phrasing that might make your teen feel ashamed. Rather, speak positively and encourage their input. Perhaps find a family therapy program that you and your teen can attend together.

Reach Out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Worried your teen is depressed? Then, turn to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for an assessment. Our adolescent treatment center in NC focuses on helping 14 to 17-year-olds cope with life’s stresses. Markedly, our Ellenboro programs specialize in the unique problems facing teens between childhood and adulthood. In detail, we employ master’s level clinicians with experience getting teens to open up. Accordingly, our staff will personalize a holistic intervention plan with apt therapies. We accept most insurance types for diverse services, such as:

• Mental health treatment
• Trauma therapy
• Addiction rehab
• Eating disorder therapy
• Group counseling
• Continued education

Don’t run the risk of your teen doing self-harm. Instead, respond immediately when you recognize the signs of depression in teens. Ultimately, getting help at a mental health treatment center could save their life. Therefore, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 to get depression under control.