How to Tell If Your Teen Might Be Depressed
Teen Depression: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
You've noticed your teenager seems different lately, and you're wondering if it's normal teen moodiness or something more serious. Teen depression is real and more common than you might think, affecting about 1 in 5 Canadian teens at some point. The good news? With the right support, teens can feel better.
What's going on?
Depression in teenagers isn't just feeling sad or moody. It's a persistent change in how they think, feel, and behave that affects their daily life for weeks or months. Unlike typical teenage ups and downs, depression doesn't come and go with circumstances.
Teen brains are still developing, especially the parts that handle emotions and decision making. Combined with hormonal changes, social pressures, and the general stress of growing up, some teens become overwhelmed. Depression can happen to any teen, regardless of family situation or personality.
The tricky part is that depression in teens often looks different than in adults. Your once chatty teen might become withdrawn, or your calm kid might suddenly seem angry all the time.
What you might notice
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability lasting weeks
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Significant changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Fatigue or low energy most days
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Declining grades or school avoidance
- Physical complaints without clear cause
- Talk about death or suicide
What helps at home
Start with gentle, non judgmental conversations. Try something like "I've noticed you seem stressed lately. How are you feeling?" Listen without trying to fix everything right away.
Keep routines as normal as possible while being flexible about expectations. Encourage activities they used to enjoy, but don't force participation. Make sure they're eating regularly and getting some physical activity, even if it's just a walk around the block.
Limit major life changes if possible, and consider reducing some pressures like extra activities. Stay connected to their school and let teachers know you're concerned.
When to worry
Get emergency help if your teen talks about suicide, has a plan to hurt themselves, gives away possessions, or shows dramatic personality changes. Trust your instincts and don't wait.
Contact your family doctor, a mental health professional, or text Arlo if you notice several depression signs lasting more than two weeks. Early support makes a huge difference, and there's no shame in asking for help.
The takeaway
Depression is treatable, and most teens who get support feel significantly better within a few months. You're being a caring parent by paying attention to these changes.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Teen depression](https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/teen_depression)
- [Depression in children and teens](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=19&language=english)
- [Youth mental health](https://ontario.ca/page/youth-mental-health)