Teenage depression is one of the serious mental health issues which impact the youth or adolescent to a greater extent. It is beyond sadness and moodiness, there is a continuous and extreme feeling of despair. It can negatively impact the life of a teenager which includes relationships, performance in school and overall well-being of the teenager.

Why Do Some Teens Feel Depressed?
Depression in teenagers can be a result of hormone changes during adolescence that may influence mood. Peer pressure, being anti-social, cases of being bullied, or things to do with self-esteem or body image can also lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Also, another contributing factor that may lead to depression in some teens is genetic factors because some teenagers may come from families that have a history of mental illness.

What are the symptoms of depression in teens?
The most frequent sign of the onset of depression in teenagers is that they remain angry for longer periods. However, it is quite common to hear teenagers complain that they have 'mood swings,' actually diagnosed depression means low mood that lasts for weeks and even months. Also, one of the essential features of depression in adolescents is that this state may be accompanied by an increase in the level of sadness or easily provoked irritability for more time. It is common for teenagers to shift between moods most often as a result of hormonal imbalances but depression is marked by a low mood that goes on for weeks or even months.

Common Types of Depression in Teens

Major Depression
It is a critical and chronic depression which results in profound sadness or despair, complete loss of interest and numerous physical and psychological symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder
It refers to a depression state which can last for a minimum of 2 years and can cause severe feelings of emptiness and sadness.

Melancholic Depression
It is a type of depression which is indicated by a lack of pleasure and interest in activities along with significant guilt and weight loss.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
A depressive disorder that follows a stressful life event and in which symptoms are displayed within three months of such occurrence

Seasonal Depression
Clinical depression that comes around at a specified time of the year, usually in winter, is associated with a lack of light and variation in daylight.

Atypical Depression
A type of depression in which the patient's mood becomes better, although temporarily, in specific positive circumstances, but which entails symptoms such as weight gain, increased sleeping, and oversensitivity to rejection.

Psychotic Depression
Severe depression presents with psychotic features including hallucinations and delusions which are usually of a guilty or worthless nature.

Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder presents itself in cycles of mania and depression such that the individual, in this case the teen will have high periods and low periods of energy and mood.

What is the treatment for depression in teens?
If you’re seeking professional help by Googling “psychiatrist near me,” then you should first understand the type of treatment available.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy enables the teenager to modify these negative ways of thinking and behaving and enables them to manage their depression through behaviour modification.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is designed to enhance adolescents' coping skills; and self-control skills. It also aims to enhance interpersonal skills, particularly regarding intolerant emotions and Para suicidal behaviours.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
IPT assists adolescents in enhancing their interpersonal relationships and communication, especially in the interpersonal aspects that cause or worsen their depression.

Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT)
ABFT is designed to reconnect families and enhance these important family relationships especially the attachment between adolescents and their caregiving figures to enhance the positive well-being of adolescents while at the same time decreasing these depressive symptoms.

How Does Therapy Help Teens Who Are Depressed?
Adolescents gain from therapy by being able to express themselves and learn different ways to manage their emotions and problems while enhancing their general well-being, interpersonal relationships, and emotional strength.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to fight teen depression through therapy. Stop typing vague searches on Google like “psychiatrist near me depression” as not every psychiatrist you find there is an expert. Go for an expert with years of experience. This can significantly improve teens' well-being, building resilience, improving their relationships and navigating life's challenges more effectively.