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Teens & depression- Red flags, and where to turn for help

March 13, 2020 by Becky Greenwood

It isn’t always easy to know the difference between teen moodiness and depression.  There are signs and symptoms that every parent, grandparent or caregiver should be aware of.  The teen years can be pretty tough for many adolescents and depression affects more teens than many parents realize. It is estimated that one in five adolescents will suffer from depression at some point during their teen years. Depression reaches across economic, cultural, urban and rural areas alike- it is indiscriminate. Sadly, many teens never get help, even though depression is highly treatable.

Know potential red flags.

Depression in tweens and teens often goes unrecognized. The symptoms can be confused with adolescent moodiness, changing hormones, and emotional flux. It’s difficult to know if this is a phase or something more serious. Possible signs to look for include:

  • personality changes and behavior outside of your child’s norm.
  • fatigue or loss of energy.
  • increased frustration and anger.
  • being uncharacteristically “down” or irritable for several weeks.
  • lack of interest / withdrawal from friends.
  • reluctance to participate in activities, and hobbies that they once enjoyed.
  • changes in appetite (eating too much or not enough) and sleep (sleeping too much, not sleeping well, sleep avoidance).
  • obsessing over body image.
  • overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, guilt or a significant decrease in self-esteem.
  • stomachs, headaches or other body aches that can’t be explained and don’t respond to treatment.
  • Difficulties concentrating or completing simple tasks.
  • Declining grades.
  • Self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting or burning.

Know where to turn for help.

If your still not sure whether it is normal teenage “moodiness” or depression consider how long the symptoms have been going on, how severe, and how different your teen is acting from their normal self. Many tweens and teens will cycle through symptoms routinely. That does not always mean they’re suffering from depression. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, consider enlisting support. Consider connecting with your tweens/teen’s teachers, school counselor and or other adults who might have regular contact with your child.

Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that worrisome symptoms will go away. If you suspect that your teen is depressed, bring up your concerns in a loving, non-judgmental way. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing are signs of a problem that should be addressed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to listen. Give your teen the message that they are loved and that you are always there no matter what. Keep repeating this even when the say “I got this” keep letting them know they are loved and that you will be there for them.

 

By Becky Greenwood, LPC, InMindOut Therapist, San Marcos

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Kathleen Bradford
February 12, 2024

Ray has been an extremely effective therapist utilizing a multitude of different techniques, including talk therapy and EMDR. He is very intuitive, kind, and sensitive to his patient's needs. Cannot recommend him enough.

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Lauren Goodley
February 9, 2024

I love this place. Office is super helpful for scheduling and payments. I do all my appointments online. My counselor Raymund Begaye is always professional and helpful, and offers different therapies including talk therapy and EMDR. Counseling with Ray has improved my quality of life and ability to handle, and enjoy (!), my life.

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Ryan Dicke
February 9, 2024

I have dealt with 2 therapists in the past, and I can tell you from experience that Raymund Begaye is world class. He has all the wisdom, grace and savvy of Hannibal Lector without the cannibalistic tendencies. Always selfless, supportive, and non judgemental, meeting Raymund has been a huge blessing in my life. I know from the bottom of my heart that he got into this business because he cares about people and the human element. He also thinks outside of the box. His knowledge and ability to conduct EMDR sessions have been pure gold. I was skeptical at first about EMDR, but after several sessions with Raymund I can honestly say past traumatic experiences that have kept me in a state of bondage, are not as intense as they once were. Raymund is a true American hero in many ways. He saved many lives fighting for our great country, and he continues to save lives by providing hope to the hopeless.

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Stefanie Anderson
February 9, 2024

I've been seeing Ray for over 3 years now. He has helped me work through so much of my trauma. We started with talk therapy and it was a big help. As we opened up through my past traumas, we utilized the EMDR therapy, and let me tell you, it works wonders. I'm not sure of the exact science behind why EMDR works but I promise it does. I've come along way from the start of my therapy journey. Ray is very patient, understanding, and even when you think he doesn't get it, he does. He's always been very reassuring and has let me ease into dealing with my past. I think I found my therapist for life because before him, I had gone through several therapists that never made me feel like I'm being heard. I would recommend the EMDR therapy to anyone. Thanks InMindOut for employing such a wonderful therapist. Please don't let him go anywhere lol.

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Faith Harris
February 8, 2024

My therapist has been Ray B since fall of 2021. I was diagnosed with PTSD after the death of my husband. We were together 24 years and have a son. I know I'm alive today thanks to God and Ray. His techniques, patience, experience, care, effort, ideas and many more I can't think of, have been amazing. Ray is a blessing in my life.

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February 3, 2024

Great therapists, always friendly

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January 17, 2024

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December 25, 2023

I saw your video on FailArmy. Sorry your beautiful ferns got stolen. If I ever make it to your area I’ll have to stop by and check it out. Looks like a cool place!

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