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More that Just a Phase
Something
that often bewilders parents of teenagers is how to make the
differentiation between ‘a phase they're going through’,
‘it's in fashion;, ‘all their friends are doing
it’ or something more. Their clothes are black, their
music sounds black, and every time you won't let them use
the car, their mood turns black.
So
how is it possible to detect depression in your teenager,
when so much of the behaviour looks like ordinary teenage
sloth-like behaviour? Are they sleeping a lot because they
talk all night on the phone and are in the middle of another
growth spurt, or is it a symptom of depression?
The following is the symptom checklist we referred to in Chapter
One, modified to incorporate adolescent idiosyncrasies. Remember;
If at least four of the following symptoms have been present
nearly every day for a period of two weeks or more, you need
a professional opinion.
1)
Changes
in weight or appetite
2)
Constantly
complaining of being bored, hating school
3)
Feelings
of sadness
4)
Thoughts
of death or suicide
5)
Feeling
guilty, hopeless or worthless
6)
Changes
in sleeping pattern
7)
Inability
to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
8)
Fatigue
or loss of energy
9)
Loss
of interest in the opposite sex.
This chapter also outlines types of help available. Practical
things the family can do as well as stories from families
that have struggled with depressed teenagers and how they
coped.
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