BNI Treatment Centers Warns of Teen Depression

Agoura Hills, CA – BNI Treatment Centers, a psychiatrist-led teen mental health facility in the Los Angeles, California region, recently released a blog informing parents on what depression looks like in teens.

“Adolescence is a time of self-discovery. This is when teenagers experience emotional, behavioral, and physical changes. While these changes indicate a transition into maturity or adulthood, they may suggest that the child needs medical attention,” the blog shares. It acknowledges the period of exploration that inherently comes with anyone’s teenage years can bring about additional challenges, warning of mental health conditions in teens leading to substance use. The article also shares a startling statistic: “31.3% of 10th-grade teenagers misused alcohol in the past year.”

The article recognizes teens’ moody nature, but warns what may seem like regular mood swings may end up as depression. It tells parents to watch out for loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, self-isolation, and general trouble functioning. BNI Treatment Centers says to seek professional help if they notice any of these signs of depression in their teens.

The blog points out that depression is not straightforward, and that sometimes it can be difficult to notice symptoms. In some cases, even teens may have trouble realizing they’re depressed. There are two types of depression teens experience, the blog explains: major depressive disorder and dysthymia. “MDD is the most common one with severe symptoms. These symptoms may last several months up to a year. Dysthymia symptoms last longer, usually stretching years. However, the symptoms are less debilitating. It doesn’t mean dysthymia is less dangerous. Over time, there’s more accrued damage if the teenager doesn’t get treatment immediately,” the blog says.

The blog then shares signs of depression for parents to look out for. These include consistent sadness and low mood, irritability and moodiness, self-isolation, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, chronic fatigue, appetite changes, trouble concentrating, body aches, suicidal ideation, rebellious and impulsive behavior, worsening performance in school, and substance use.

Teens may also experience anxiety in addition to depression, if only because their negative depressive thoughts lead them to insecurity and uncertainty, BNI Treatment Centers explains. This can lead teens to contemplate suicide or substance use. The article addresses this, pointing out that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young people. It implores parents to stay alert for signs of depression in their teens to avoid any harm coming to them.

Some may think teens are too young and carefree to feel depressed, but the blog also points out reasons teens may feel depressed. These include feelings of inadequacy over their social lives and school performance, as well as environmental and familial factors. Trauma, stress, and lack of supportive family and friends also put teens at higher risk of depression.

The blog ends off with a reminder to parents that depression is treatable in teens, and that they can lead happy and fulfilling lives. BNI Treatment Centers also encourages open communication between teens and parents to ensure teens stay well mentally.

BNI Treatment Centers is a doctor-owned-and-operated teen mental health facility located in the Los Angeles, California area. Their unique treatment teams are led by psychiatrists, making them qualified to adjust teens’ treatment and medications as quickly as required. They’re also able to treat complex, co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. For more information on BNI Treatment Centers, contact them through their website or by phone at (888) 522-1504.