Latest / 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids. / Teenage Moodiness or Depression?

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Teenage Moodiness or Depression? · 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to a new episode of Five Minute Parenting.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: Today we're going to be talking about teenage moodiness versus depression.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: The teen years can be difficult for your child.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: They face pressure to do well in school, they're being influenced positively and negatively by their peers, their bodies are changing significantly, and their hormones are running rampant.
• 1:01
  SPEAKER_00: So, how do you know if it's typical teenage moodiness or depression?
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: While most teenagers are moody from time to time, and a teen's moodiness can change within a few hours or days, depression in teens is different.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: It usually lasts longer than a couple of days.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, it can last a few weeks or months.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Depression can make everyday activities more difficult for teens.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: They might lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, like sports or music.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: They may also sleep more than usual, and you might notice that their eating habits change.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: A change in behavior and attitudes can also help you determine if your teen is depressed.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: For example, if your teen exhibits wildly different behavior than normal, he or she might be depressed.
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_00: Some other signs of depression in your teen are difficulty focusing, lack of motivation, decline in school performance, headaches or other aches, fatigue, memory loss or trouble making decisions, and some teens may act irritable or agitated rather than sad.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Depression can also manifest itself in rebellious behavior, such as taking drugs or drinking alcohol.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: Because there are many signs and symptoms of depression, and teens don't always exhibit the same behavior, it can be difficult to tell if your teen is just being a quote typical teen or if he or she is depressed.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: So what can parents do?
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: Well, as Christian parents, our first reaction should be to go to God in prayer.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_00: We can ask God for wisdom.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: We can ask him to help our child open up to us about what's going on and how they are feeling.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_00: We can ask him to show us resources or bring people across our path that can help our child.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: Dr.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_00: Stella M.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_00: Cruz, a pediatrician, says, quote, if your teen has been experiencing symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, he or she may be suffering from depression, unquote.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: If you're not sure if your teen's change in behavior is depression, it can be helpful to write down the signs you see that might indicate depression and how long those signs have been going on.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: Try talking with your teen.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Gently point out that you've noticed a change in their behavior and ask them how they're feeling.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: And if your teen talks about suicide or death and dying, it's critical to get help immediately.
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_00: Even if your teen is just joking about dying, it's a warning sign, says Dr.
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_00: Cruz.
• 3:57
  SPEAKER_00: You can never be too cautious about something as serious as suicide.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_00: Just like depression in adults, depression in teens doesn't just pass like a temporary mood swing.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: However, it can be overcome through treatment.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: It might be necessary to seek help from a doctor or a mental health professional.
• 4:19
  SPEAKER_00: Your teens doctor may first check to see if another medical condition could be causing depression.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_00: They may describe medications which may or may not help, or they may refer you and refer your teen to a psychologist or counselor.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_00: I believe as a Christian, it's important to select a counselor who has a biblical viewpoint and can integrate God's love, support, and guidance into their therapy.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_00: Your church may be able to recommend a qualified counselor.
• 4:52
  SPEAKER_00: It may take a while to find the right treatment for your child.
• 4:56
  SPEAKER_00: And during that time, it's critical for parents to be patient, loving, and supportive.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_00: And stay on your knees, asking God for his direction, guidance, and healing.