Categories: Uncategorized

Adolescent Depression | WinGate

Parents of troubled teens  should keep an eye out for signs of depression , for their irritable or unhappy adolescent may actually be clinically depressed. Adolescence is a time of change, and when you add hormone havoc to the already tumultuous adjustments of everyday life with family, school, extracurricular activities or lack thereof and peer pressure, there is a great likelihood that your son or daughter will eventually experience periods of sadness. If this lasts more than two weeks and your child is showing signs of depression, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional psychologist or physician.

Symptoms of Teen Depression:

notable negative change in thinking and behavior
difficulty concentrating
loss of interest in regular activities
excessive or inappropriate guilt
preoccupation with death or dying’
lack of appetite
irresponsible behavior like skipping school or doing drugs
sleeping too much
withdrawal from friends
sadness, anxiety , hopelessness
unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches
fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy
agitation and restlessness
crying spells

Causes of Teen Depression:

fluctuating hormones
inherited traits
life events like death, financial problems, divorce and high stress
early childhood trauma
learned patterns of negative thinking

Depression is an illness that comes in many forms, from major depression to seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, the body, moods and thoughts. Teen depression is more common among adolescents with a family history of depression and sadness. Health care professionals are able to determine diagnosis by conducting interviews and doing psychological tests. Even in severe cases, it is a highly treatable disorder. The earlier treatment begins, the greater likelihood that recurrence is prevented.

WinGate is a wilderness adventure therapy program for troubled teens. With individual and group sessions, struggling adolescents who are trying to surmount depression and make positive changes in their lives can delve into the root causes of issues and learn coping mechanisms and life skills . Parents often struggle with knowing when it’s time to consider out-of-home placement for their troubled teens. When depression and sadness interfere with daily life like school, peer relations, and family interactions, it is best to seek professional assistance. WinGate is here to help. Find relief and guidance by speaking with our informative admissions counselors at (800)560-1599 today.

John Baisden

Recent Posts

Programs for Troubled Youth: A Parents’ Guide

Having a child diagnosed with a conduct disorder, ADHD, bipolar disorder or other serious psychological…

4 years ago

Why are Therapeutic Programs for Teens so Effective?

If you’ve come to the end of your rope with your teenager’s behavior, you might…

4 years ago

Catholic Boarding Schools – Is This the Answer for Your Troubled Teen?

For parents with a troubled teen living at home, residential treatment can feel like a…

4 years ago

Help: My Violent Teen is Getting Out of Control

The teenage years can be hard, but what should you do if your violent teen…

4 years ago

The Dangers of Social Media on Teenagers, Especially How Social Media Affects Troubled Youth

The Dangers of Social Media and Its Impact on Troubled Youth   Social media is one…

4 years ago

How to Help a Teen with Anxiety and Depression?

Parenting a Teen with Anxiety or Depression: A Guide with Tips for Parents Anxiety and…

4 years ago