Depression

Depression

Signs of Adolescent Depression

• Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
• Irritability, frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite, such as decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
• Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
• Neglected appearance — such as mismatched clothes and unkempt hair
• Disruptive or risky behavior
• Self-harm, such as cutting, burning, or excessive piercing or tattooing