{"id":3212,"date":"2025-08-09T22:55:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T22:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodlife247.com\/?p=3212"},"modified":"2026-04-06T08:36:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T14:36:12","slug":"is-my-child-depressed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodlife247.com\/?p=3212","title":{"rendered":"Is My Child Depressed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Vanita Haliburton, Founder, Grant Haliburton Foundation | Contributor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Teenage mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. How to help your teen with stress<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    We\u2019ve all heard the saying, \u201cThe grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.\u201d Even though we know better, we sometimes let ourselves believe that other families are faring better in the child-rearing department than we are. We can convince ourselves that other parents have used this time of social distancing to make delicious family dinners every night, have meaningful heart-to-hearts with their teens, and teach them important life lessons. Peering through rose-colored windows into their homes, we think we see better-adjusted, higher-achieving, problem-free, perfectly behaved children who are gliding happily through adolescence toward becoming model teens and successful young adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We need to get over that notion. It\u2019s just not true. The statistics tell us that one in five adolescents has a diagnosable mental health disorder, and about one in three shows clear symptoms of depression<\/strong>.<\/strong> However, the majority are not seeking treatment, often because the symptoms go unrecognized and undiagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re still thinking about that greener grass, look around your neighborhood and consider this: one in five families has a teen who may be depressed, anxious, self-harming, self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or exhibiting behaviors such as anger, aggression, or withdrawal. Statistically, every classroom in your teen\u2019s school has five or six students with symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Left untreated, teenage mental health <\/strong>issues can lead to other problems, like poor grades, conflicts with family and friends, substance abuse, broken relationships, or trouble with the law. It can also put a child at increased risk for suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among Texas youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It makes sense, actually. If a person is not well\u2014whether it be a bout of the flu, clinical depression, or debilitating anxiety\u2014the ability to get through daily life is impaired. Everything is a struggle, from performing the simplest tasks to the demanding roles of school and relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s another statistic to ponder: About half of all psychiatric illnesses begin before the age of 14. Yet, on average, nine years pass between the time when symptoms appear and when treatment is sought. That is too long. Failure to see and act on symptoms of mental distress can rob our children and teens of their health, and it can compromise their well-being during the years when so much important development and learning takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We can do better. First, we can learn to recognize the symptoms of a mental or emotional disorder as readily as we recognize the signs of an oncoming cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common symptoms of depression include persistent irritability, sadness, anger, or social withdrawal, as well as major changes in appetite or sleep. Children who are depressed may become overwhelmed or exhausted. They may stop participating in activities they formerly enjoyed. Other possible symptoms include chronic pain, headaches, or stomach aches.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When we see such changes, it\u2019s tempting to chalk it up to typical teenage moodiness or blame it on hormones. But it is far wiser to consider the possibility that something else is going on and get it checked out. As with any other medical condition, it is important to get a checkup from a qualified professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health disorders keeps some adolescents and their families from seeking help. That\u2019s a shame because depression is highly treatable. With medication, therapy, or a combination of the two, most people with depression can be effectively treated. Many mental health providers are making treatment more accessible by offering telehealth options, which can break down some of the barriers to getting help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Getting treatment for a mental health disorder\u2014especially as soon as symptoms appear\u2014can reduce its impact on an adolescent\u2019s life and provide tools to help them deal with the stress and pressures of life. Knowing how to help your teen with stress<\/strong> can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s the truth about green grass. Everyone\u2019s lawn gets weeds and brown patches sometimes. But when tended properly, those problems can be remedied, and the grass restored to its natural, healthy state. We should do so well with our children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Learn more about adolescent mental health and suicide prevention at granthalliburton.org.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How can I tell if my child is depressed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Know the symptoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s normal for teens and young adults to feel down or moody sometimes. But when those feelings last for weeks, it could mean that something more serious is going on. Depression is very common\u2014in fact, it affects over 2 million young people. Here is a list of what the symptoms may look like in a teen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n