Symptoms to Recognize in Teenagers with Depression and Anxiety

Both anxiety and depression conditions can be improved, but more than 80% of the kids with anxiety disorder and 60% with depression are not getting proper treatment according to the Child Mind Institute Children’s Mental Health Report. 

Anxiety is a normal phase of childhood and each child experiences it at some point. It is usually temporary and harmless, but children with an anxiety disorder experience nervousness, fear, and shyness, and they start isolating themselves socially and look for ways to not get involved in any kind of activity. 

A child or a teenager who sees a scary movie and then has trouble in falling asleep can be comforted and reassured. But this is not the case for a child with anxiety; they don’t get past their fear and anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect about 1 in every 8 teenagers. Research shows those teenagers who do not seek help are at a higher risk to being socially isolated, will be more likely to perform poorly in academics, and will often engage in substance abuse. 

Anxiety disorders often co-occurs with depression and might be accompanied with an eating disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other disorders. 

Anxiety in Teens 

A teen suffering from any kind of anxiety or depression disorder is serious. In fact, the children who develop anxiety are more likely to have depression in their teenage years. Nearly 85% of teens who have both depression and anxiety had anxiety disorder first. 

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder  

•  Difficulties concentrating
•   Restlessness
•  Feeling keyed-up or on edge
•  Fatigue
•  Irritability
•  Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

 Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

•  Excessive worry about potential harm toward the teen
•  Avoiding activities that separate the adolescent from caregivers
•  Nightmares
•  Headaches
•  Stomachaches
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Sweating

Symptoms of Social Phobia

•  Fear of a situation in which the child may come under scrutiny of others
•  Avoiding participating in school related events
•  Substantial interference with social activities

Depression in Teens

Teenagers with depression have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. It is beyond moodiness. Depression is a serious health problem that impacts every aspect of a teenager’s life. Depression destroys the spirit of your teen’s personality and they develop a sense of sadness, despair, and anger. Irritability and agitation are also two of the most prominent symptoms.

Other symptoms include – 

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability and anger
• Hostility
• Frequent crying
• Isolation from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities
• Poor school performance
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Restlessness and agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts  

It is important to always remember that Depression is not your fault or caused by something you did wrong.  

Depression and Anxiety Disorder can often be treated in the same way and at the same time. Both are often treated by cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants. Each also require a lot of support, love and time.