Depression is a major reason youth end their lives; Identify it in teenagers with these symptoms

Depression is not just a ‘mood swing’; it is a serious mental health problem that affects the way a teenager thinks, feels and behaves.

New Delhi: Teenage is a phase of life which is full of emotional ups and downs, physical changes and social pressures. In this turbulent time, it often becomes difficult for parents to differentiate between normal sadness and depression (Teenage Depression).

Depression is not just a 'mood swing'; it is a serious mental health problem that affects the way a teenager thinks, feels and behaves. Sometimes due to lack of attention or not getting timely help, teenagers also take steps like suicide. Therefore, on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, we are telling about some such symptoms, which can help in detecting depression in teenagers.

Emotional changes
Changes in the emotional condition of a teenager are often seen first. These need attention-

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness - Crying repeatedly without any reason, being constantly sad, or thinking negatively about the future.

• Irritability and anger - Getting angry even on small things, feeling frustrated, and frequent mood swings.

• Lack of self-confidence - Considering yourself useless or unsuccessful, feeling guilty about past failures, and criticizing yourself.

• Loss of interest - Suddenly losing interest in activities, hobbies or sports that were previously fun. Avoiding spending time with family and friends or having conflicts with them.

• High sensitivity - Being more sensitive about rejection or failure and constantly seeking reassurance from others.

• Lack of focus - Not being able to concentrate on studies, having difficulty in taking decisions or forgetting things.

• Thoughts of death or suicide- The feeling of despair about life can be so deep that the child starts talking about death or suicide.

Behavioral changes

Emotional turmoil has a direct effect on the behavior of teenagers. These symptoms are often worrying-

• Lack of energy and fatigue- Always feeling tired and lethargic without doing any physical work.

• Changes in sleep and appetite- Insomnia or sleeping too much. Similarly, loss of appetite and weight loss or being more attracted to comfort food and weight gain.

• Taking alcohol or drugs- Resorting to drugs to escape pain or suppress emotions is a dangerous sign.

• Restlessness or lethargy- Feeling nervous without any reason, rubbing hands, feeling restless or speaking, walking and working very slowly.

• Social isolation- Staying alone in your room, getting cut off from friends and social activities.

• Decline in academic performance – Sudden lack of interest in studies, falling grades, or frequent absences from school.

• Hygiene issues – Neglecting daily hygiene habits such as bathing, brushing teeth, or putting on clean clothes.

• Risky behavior – Acting out of control or engaging in risky behavior without thinking.

• Self-harm and suicide attempts – Self-harm or suicide attempts are the most serious warning signs that require immediate action.