If adolescence is a headache for parents, it is actually a more difficult struggle for the adolescents. This is a period of hormonal imbalances, confusion, insecurities, anxiety, mood swings, and uncertainty. There are times they can be rebellious, and there are moments they choose to become shy and solitary.

 

Depression is not the general rule for adolescents. In fact, most of them emerge from this experience with no scars to show for it. However, some teens buckle down under the pressure and retreat from a world full of pain and misery. That is when depression takes its hold of the child – an overwhelming feeling of neglect and gloom about himself and of the world in general. It is deeper than sadness and lasts longer than a bad mood, where your child suffers from utter lack of confidence. During this time, he may feel that he is not worthy to be in your midst or be a part of anybody’s life. He feels alone and a total failure.

 

What are the sign of depression in your kid that you should look out for?

 

Is your adolescent uncomfortable in social gatherings and would often excuse himself to seek the haven of his room?  This may signify that he thinks his company is unwanted and he would not be missed if he makes himself scarce. In group schoolwork, he would think that he is not able to contribute anything useful to the group.

 

Does your child feel that he would fail in any endeavor he would do?  This kind of attitude will hinder a resilient nature of being able to bounce back when he encounters defeats along the way.

 

Does your child often complain of headaches or dizziness? This could be his way of reaching out and assuring himself that there are still people who care about his well being. This could also be a means to escape being with other people.

 

Is your child reluctant to talk about himself? This may mean that your child feels unworthy of being listened to or is afraid of being judged by the listener.

 

Does your child often want to step into the shoes of another person? This need to be someone else may mean that he is not contented with who he is. His may be thinking that if he could be someone else, someone more intelligent or more good-looking, then people would like him more.

 

Sadly adolescence is not the only time in our lives when we are vulnerable for depression. Open your eyes to these signs. Once you noticed that your child is struggling with depression, comfort him and gradually guide him out of this battle. Often, assuring words of love and a little encouragement will take you a long way in helping your child.