It must be noted at the outset that teenaged depression can often be missed or misunderstood as part and parcel of being a teen. After all, teens are moody creatures, aren’t they? Yes teens do have mood changes. Depression in teens is much different than the usual mood swings.

There are warning signs that indicate your teen is or may be depressed. Poor school performance after a period of time with acceptable work and grades could be one indicator. You may see your teen start to withdraw from friends, family and activities. They may quit a favorite sport or refuse to go to activities with friends and spend more time isolated in their rooms. They may appear to be deeply saddened and lack enthusiasm and/or motivation.

Your teen may express hopelessness, anger or rage. Self-esteem may be at an all time low and they may feel like they cannot do what they set out to do. Making decisions, inability to concentrate and forgetfulness may occur. Though they have become somewhat isolated, they may also be restless and agitated. There may be evidence of substance abuse or suicidal thinking.

There are a few causes of teenage depression could come from a break-up. Loss in the form of a job, death of friend and/or family member could create teenaged depression Failure in school or elsewhere, divorce of parents, or some traumatic event like an accident, serious illness, or abuse can trigger depression. Girls, at the rate of two times more than boys, become depressed.

The first step in getting help for your teen is to get them a complete physical including blood work. You want to rule out any type of physical illness such as hypothyroidism and anemia. If your teen has a chronic condition and is on medication you might consider checking out that medication to see what the effects are. Some medications have negative interactions with some foods and other medications.

Treatments for Teenage Depression include Psychotherapy which could help your teen recognize and conquer negative thinking, solve problems, and to learn better communication and interpersonal skills. If there are issues from their childhood these are dealt with as well.

Medication is another form of treatment for teens. Tests still need to be done on the long-term effects of antidepressants on teens. Some of them may cause your teen to have suicidal thoughts and as a result your teen should be closely monitored.

Another option in the treatment of your teen’s depression is herbal supplementation. Herbs can be very beneficial for those who don’t want to take prescribed medications or who want to avoid the serious side effects of many of them. Herbs that are known to have specific effects on mood are blended in a precise formula for a rounded treatment of depression.

Consult with your doctor to see if this may indeed be an option for your teen. Herbal supplements should be made to pharmaceutical grade. The ingredients should have had their metabolic paths examined at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients should also have been tested.

Teenage depression is sometimes missed because of the tendency of teens to be moody and begin exhibiting more and more independence. It is imperative that if you suspect your teen or a teen you know is depressed get them help or alert someone who can do that.