As teens age, their bodies undergo physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that affect their mood, while their hormones wreak havoc on their bodies, causing mood swings and sadness. These signs and symptoms may be normal in teens but may also signify an underlying mental health disorder like depression.
Depression in teens in the United States has been on the rise. It is estimated that about 16% of teens in the US have depression. Meanwhile, a study conducted by Youth Data in 2022 ranked Arizona 39th in terms of access to treatment and care.
Outpatient mental health facilities like NexStep Teen Academy were established to bridge the gap and increase accessibility to care. If your teen shows signs of being depressed, contact us for immediate help.
Understanding Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Adolescent depression is a serious mental health condition that causes teens profound sadness or loneliness. It makes them unable to function properly in their day-to-day lives since they are overwhelmed with negative emotions. Depression is not something that you can just wash away. It requires professional care and support to ensure teens can lead happy lives again.
Teen depression differs from normal mood swings because it is felt much more intensely. Mood swings last a few minutes or hours, but depression can last for months or even years and cause more issues if left untreated. Another key difference between depression and being moody is that depression is not a normal part of growing up. Mood swings occur as part of development and do not usually require specialized care.
If your teen feels emotionally worn out or drained, they may have emotional fatigue or exhaustion. Emotional fatigue results from accumulated stress from school, family, or work. It makes them feel trapped in a situation they have no power over. Emotional fatigue can lead to depression as it makes teens feel overwhelmed and stuck in a negative state of mind. They become sad and irritable since they feel powerless and have no control over their lives.
Similar environmental factors can cause both emotional exhaustion and depression. Things like academic pressure, negative family dynamics, hormonal changes, and social media use can all cause depression and emotional fatigue. It is important for you as a parent to ensure you observe your teen’s behavior to recognize the differences between normal mood swings, emotional fatigue, and depression.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Teen depression can take many forms. It causes emotional and behavioral changes that can be distressing to witness. Since depression varies in severity, its symptoms also vary. If your teen has depression, they may exhibit the following emotional changes:
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
Long spells of overwhelming sadness
Anger, irritability, and frustration
Feeling left out and isolated
Numbness, hopelessness, and helplessness
Feeling empty inside
Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Low self-worth
Feeling worthless
Being overly self-critical
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Trouble concentrating in school or at work
Having a grim outlook on life
Suicidal ideation
Behavioral Symptoms of Depression
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Lack of appetite or eating too much
Drug and substance abuse
Twitching and restlessness
Paying less attention to one’s looks or personal hygiene
Self-harm
Engaging in risky behavior
Constant headaches and body aches
Now that you understand what to look out for in your teen, you also need to learn how depression is diagnosed under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the DSM-5, teens with depression must experience five or more symptoms of depression over a two-week period that is different from their normal functioning. At least one of the symptoms should be a lack of interest in activities or a depressed mood.
DSM-5 uses the following criteria to diagnose depression:
Depressed mood almost daily
Lack of interest in activities almost daily
Significant changes in appetite, weight loss, or weight gain
Slowed physical movement or activity
Constant fatigue
Feelings of low self-worth, guilt, or shame
Lack of concentration or increased indecisiveness
Recurrent suicidal thoughts
If your teen exhibits these symptoms, they may have major depression and may require specialized care.
Causes and Risk Factors for Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Like many other mental health conditions, the exact cause of depression remains unknown. However, several factors may contribute to the development of depression in teens. These include the following:
Genetics: Depression does not have a clear genetic inheritance pattern. However, teens whose first-degree relatives have depression are likely to develop the mental health condition. It is not clearly understood which genes pass down depressive traits, as genes have different functions in the brain. More research needs to be done to understand the genetic component of depression fully.
Brain Chemistry: Your teen’s brain chemistry may cause the development of depression. Abnormal or impaired neurotransmitters affect the function of the nervous system through faulty relay of information. This defect may cause depression in teens.
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones have a big influence on your teen’s mood. Fluctuations or hormonal imbalances may cause your teen to develop depressive symptoms such as irritability and sadness.
Trauma: Teens who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to develop depression. Trauma is a complicated emotion that affects teens in many ways. Reliving traumatic events can cause feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, numbness, and overwhelming sadness.
Some other factors may increase the likelihood of your teen developing depression. They include the following:
Having negative thoughts tied to self-worth
Social isolation
Being a victim of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety
Chronic pain or terminal physical illnesses
Being a sexual minority
Drug and substance abuse
Having a timid personality
Having a learning disability
Prevention of Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
There are no universal methods of preventing depression. However, the following strategies might help reduce the chances of it occurring:
Model positivity
Positive reinforcement techniques
Build a strong support network
Creating a safe and supportive home environment
Get treatment as soon as possible
Fostering healthy coping mechanisms
Encouraging open communication
Physical exercise
Effective Treatment Options for Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
At NexStep Teen Academy’s PHP and teen IOP, we pride ourselves on our diverse and effective treatment approaches. We utilize both traditional evidence-based therapies and holistic treatment approaches, ensuring that your teen overcomes mental health challenges and develops healthy coping mechanisms.
If your teen has depression, we utilize the following treatment approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can be useful in treating teen depression. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. If your teen can change their thoughts, it will ultimately affect their emotions and behaviors.
Your teen’s depression is connected to how they perceive themselves. When they feel sad, they mull over negative thoughts such as traumatic memories, self-image issues, and thinking they are not good enough. CBT addresses these issues by assisting teens to identify their negative thoughts and change them to more positive ones. For example, if your teen thinks they look bad, they should change their thoughts to reflect how they would want to feel. They should see themselves as good-looking people to boost their confidence. If your teen can learn to think of themselves positively, their depression will improve.
CBT uses three core principles to treat depression. These include the following:
Guided Discovery: This technique helps teens discover their negative thought patterns and how their behavior affects those around them. During a CBT session, your teen will be asked how they feel about certain situations. If they revert to negative thoughts, the therapist will ask them to defend their assumptions. This will assist your teen in discovering negative thought patterns and working on changing them.
Cognitive Journaling: Journaling allows teens to have an outlet for negative thoughts and feelings. They can write down their day’s events, any triggering events, and how they should react differently next time. This allows teens to record their progress and set goals for future sessions.
Cognitive Restructuring: This technique allows teens to identify and change negative thoughts. It is used to reframe your teen’s negative thoughts into positive ones.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is another evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps teens change their negative behaviors. It allows teens to accept their current circumstances while working to change their behavior.
Its main goal is to assist teens in emotional regulation. Depression can cause your teen to feel overwhelming sadness. DBT helps teens regulate their emotions by slowing down their thoughts and appreciating the present moment. DBT will help your teen learn useful coping skills to overcome unhealthy behavior.
It used four main principles to assist teens with depression. These include the following:
Mindfulness is a practice that allows teens to be aware of and appreciate their current situation without judgment. Being aware and accepting their emotions helps them not get lost or overwhelmed by them.
Distress Tolerance: This technique helps teens accept their emotions during stressful situations. In times of crisis, teens often think they can control the situation. Distress tolerance allows them to accept that some things are out of their control and cannot be changed, leading to less anxiety and emotional reactions.
Emotional Regulation: It allows teens to learn useful emotional regulation skills. They know how to withdraw from stressful situations and react appropriately during an argument. Instead of feeling sad, they can have a positive outlook on life.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: It improves your teen’s social skills to enable them to build a strong support system. Strong social skills can enhance your teen’s confidence and give them a more positive outlook.
Pharmacological Interventions
Antidepressants are a useful medical intervention for teens with depression. A combination of medication and therapy can be useful for teens with severe cases of depression. Several types of medication can be used to treat depression. You should work closely with your doctor and mental health practitioner to find the best medication for your teen. The following are types/classes of antidepressants:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): They are the most common types of antidepressants. They work by selectively preventing the reabsorption of serotonin by cells in your brain. This means that more active serotonin is available in the brain. Serotonin is important in mood, appetite, and sleep regulation.
Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) work the same as SSRIs. The key difference is that they affect the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood, appetite, and sleep.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These are among the oldest class of antidepressants. They are used less commonly because of their side effects and dietary restrictions. They are usually only used in treatment-resistant depression or severe forms of major depression.
Group Therapy
This type of psychotherapy is useful in helping teens build strong support networks. Today’s generation leans more towards their peers for emotional support than family members. Group therapy uses this idea to help teens open up about their feelings.
Teens know that they have a safe and non-judgmental space in group therapy. Their peers can provide emotional support and ensure they cheer on your teen as they get treated. Being surrounded by teens experiencing the same challenges also builds trust and community.
Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue Treatment at NexStep Teen Academy
If your teen has depression, it is important that you seek professional help immediately. At NexStep Teen Academy, we provide high-quality outpatient mental health treatment for teens with depression. Our highly skilled staff is dedicated to ensuring your teen receives specialized and customized care. Tucked away in the desert of Arizona, our facility provides a tranquil environment for your teen to focus on treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about how our program can help, contact us today. We can provide expert insight into your situation and describe a potential treatment path forward.
Yes, emotional fatigue makes teens feel drained and exhausted. They become unable to complete tasks assigned to them as they cannot focus. This is commonly known as burnout.
Some online resources for teens with depression include mADAP. This app uses videos to help teens cope with depression. It is based on the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program developed by Johns Hopkins University.
Mild to moderate depression can be treated using therapy, the primary treatment for depression. However, medication may be necessary for teens depending on their needs.
Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Table of Contents
As teens age, their bodies undergo physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that affect their mood, while their hormones wreak havoc on their bodies, causing mood swings and sadness. These signs and symptoms may be normal in teens but may also signify an underlying mental health disorder like depression.
Depression in teens in the United States has been on the rise. It is estimated that about 16% of teens in the US have depression. Meanwhile, a study conducted by Youth Data in 2022 ranked Arizona 39th in terms of access to treatment and care.
Outpatient mental health facilities like NexStep Teen Academy were established to bridge the gap and increase accessibility to care. If your teen shows signs of being depressed, contact us for immediate help.
Understanding Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Adolescent depression is a serious mental health condition that causes teens profound sadness or loneliness. It makes them unable to function properly in their day-to-day lives since they are overwhelmed with negative emotions. Depression is not something that you can just wash away. It requires professional care and support to ensure teens can lead happy lives again.
Teen depression differs from normal mood swings because it is felt much more intensely. Mood swings last a few minutes or hours, but depression can last for months or even years and cause more issues if left untreated. Another key difference between depression and being moody is that depression is not a normal part of growing up. Mood swings occur as part of development and do not usually require specialized care.
If your teen feels emotionally worn out or drained, they may have emotional fatigue or exhaustion. Emotional fatigue results from accumulated stress from school, family, or work. It makes them feel trapped in a situation they have no power over. Emotional fatigue can lead to depression as it makes teens feel overwhelmed and stuck in a negative state of mind. They become sad and irritable since they feel powerless and have no control over their lives.
Similar environmental factors can cause both emotional exhaustion and depression. Things like academic pressure, negative family dynamics, hormonal changes, and social media use can all cause depression and emotional fatigue. It is important for you as a parent to ensure you observe your teen’s behavior to recognize the differences between normal mood swings, emotional fatigue, and depression.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Teen depression can take many forms. It causes emotional and behavioral changes that can be distressing to witness. Since depression varies in severity, its symptoms also vary. If your teen has depression, they may exhibit the following emotional changes:
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
Behavioral Symptoms of Depression
Now that you understand what to look out for in your teen, you also need to learn how depression is diagnosed under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the DSM-5, teens with depression must experience five or more symptoms of depression over a two-week period that is different from their normal functioning. At least one of the symptoms should be a lack of interest in activities or a depressed mood.
DSM-5 uses the following criteria to diagnose depression:
If your teen exhibits these symptoms, they may have major depression and may require specialized care.
Causes and Risk Factors for Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
Like many other mental health conditions, the exact cause of depression remains unknown. However, several factors may contribute to the development of depression in teens. These include the following:
Some other factors may increase the likelihood of your teen developing depression. They include the following:
Prevention of Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
There are no universal methods of preventing depression. However, the following strategies might help reduce the chances of it occurring:
Effective Treatment Options for Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue
At NexStep Teen Academy’s PHP and teen IOP, we pride ourselves on our diverse and effective treatment approaches. We utilize both traditional evidence-based therapies and holistic treatment approaches, ensuring that your teen overcomes mental health challenges and develops healthy coping mechanisms.
If your teen has depression, we utilize the following treatment approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can be useful in treating teen depression. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. If your teen can change their thoughts, it will ultimately affect their emotions and behaviors.
Your teen’s depression is connected to how they perceive themselves. When they feel sad, they mull over negative thoughts such as traumatic memories, self-image issues, and thinking they are not good enough. CBT addresses these issues by assisting teens to identify their negative thoughts and change them to more positive ones. For example, if your teen thinks they look bad, they should change their thoughts to reflect how they would want to feel. They should see themselves as good-looking people to boost their confidence. If your teen can learn to think of themselves positively, their depression will improve.
CBT uses three core principles to treat depression. These include the following:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is another evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps teens change their negative behaviors. It allows teens to accept their current circumstances while working to change their behavior.
Its main goal is to assist teens in emotional regulation. Depression can cause your teen to feel overwhelming sadness. DBT helps teens regulate their emotions by slowing down their thoughts and appreciating the present moment. DBT will help your teen learn useful coping skills to overcome unhealthy behavior.
It used four main principles to assist teens with depression. These include the following:
Pharmacological Interventions
Antidepressants are a useful medical intervention for teens with depression. A combination of medication and therapy can be useful for teens with severe cases of depression. Several types of medication can be used to treat depression. You should work closely with your doctor and mental health practitioner to find the best medication for your teen. The following are types/classes of antidepressants:
Group Therapy
This type of psychotherapy is useful in helping teens build strong support networks. Today’s generation leans more towards their peers for emotional support than family members. Group therapy uses this idea to help teens open up about their feelings.
Teens know that they have a safe and non-judgmental space in group therapy. Their peers can provide emotional support and ensure they cheer on your teen as they get treated. Being surrounded by teens experiencing the same challenges also builds trust and community.
Teen Depression and Emotional Fatigue Treatment at NexStep Teen Academy
If your teen has depression, it is important that you seek professional help immediately. At NexStep Teen Academy, we provide high-quality outpatient mental health treatment for teens with depression. Our highly skilled staff is dedicated to ensuring your teen receives specialized and customized care. Tucked away in the desert of Arizona, our facility provides a tranquil environment for your teen to focus on treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about how our program can help, contact us today. We can provide expert insight into your situation and describe a potential treatment path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, emotional fatigue makes teens feel drained and exhausted. They become unable to complete tasks assigned to them as they cannot focus. This is commonly known as burnout.
Piling academic pressure can cause your teen a lot of stress. The weight of everyone’s expectations causes them to become overwhelmed.
Some online resources for teens with depression include mADAP. This app uses videos to help teens cope with depression. It is based on the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program developed by Johns Hopkins University.
Mild to moderate depression can be treated using therapy, the primary treatment for depression. However, medication may be necessary for teens depending on their needs.
Parents and guardians should avoid being critical of their depressed teens. They should also not encourage self-harm or suicide.