Depression and Anxiety have always been issues that affect teens. However, the uncertain times of a pandemic, the isolation of lockdowns, and more time spent on social media than ever before, are adding fuel to the fire in regards to the mental health obstacles that teens already face.
As a coach, teacher, parent, or other influential person in their life, it's important to be aware of the warning signs of anxiety and depression.
Warning Signs of Depression: What to Look For
Emotional changes
Feelings of sadness, such as crying spells for no apparent reason
Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
Feeling hopeless or empty
Irritable or annoyed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
Low self-esteem
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
Behavioral changes
Tiredness and loss of energy
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite
Use of alcohol or drugs
Agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches
Social isolation
Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
Angry outbursts or other acting-out behaviors
Self-harm
Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt
If you are noticing these warning signs in a teen or child in your life, have a conversation with them about how they are feeling. You can help by assisting them in creating a plan to manage their emotions, and/or by helping them to seek medical treatment and guidance.
Warning Signs of Anxiety: What to Look For
Physical changes:
Frequent headaches
Gastrointestinal problems
Unexplained aches and pains
Excessive fatigue
Complaints of not feeling well with no obvious medical cause
Changes in eating habits
Emotional changes:
Excessively worried
Feeling or acting on edge
Developing an extreme or new fear
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness
Unexplained outbursts
Social changes:
Avoiding social interactions or usual friends
Avoiding extracurricular activities
Isolating from peers
Spending increased time alone
Sleep changes:
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
Frequent nightmares
Not acting refreshed after sleep
School changes:
Significant jump in grades
Sudden avoidance of school
Frequently missed assignments
Overwhelmed by workload
Procrastinates on assignments more than usual
Difficulty completing or concentrating on homework
If a teen or child in your life is struggling with anxiety, or exhibiting its warning signs, have a discussion with them. Anxiety is treatable and manageable. Help them by developing strategies to ease their anxiety levels, and by directing them to a medical professional for treatment and/or guidance.
These are trying times for all of us, and the teens and children in your life are having to process their own emotions and reactions to the world around them as well. Develop an open line of communication between you and your teen/child. Be sure that you make it known that you are there to listen, understand, and help. It's okay to not be okay, and things can get better with proper treatment and support.
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