How to Recognize Signs of Depression in Teens—and What to Do Next

Medically reviewed by

Amy Kranzler, PhD

, - Written

Megan Martino

Amy Kranzler, PhD

Written

Megan Martino

Roughly 1 in 5 adolescents experience a major depressive episode by age 18, according to national surveys. Depression can be difficult to distinguish fromtypical teenage angst, but is not something that should be dismissed. Left untreated, it can interfere with academic success, social development, and physical health, and may increase the risk of suicidal ideation in some cases. Early recognition and intervention are critical to helping teens recover and thrive.

What Is Depression in Teens?

Depression in adolescents is a clinically recognized mood disorder marked by a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or irritability that lasts for at least two weeks and impacts functioning across multiple areas of life.

Unlike temporary sadness, depression involves neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Risk factors include:

Genetic predisposition
Early trauma or abuse
Chronic stress
Medical illnesses
Family conflict or instability

Recent brain imaging research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (2025) demonstrates that teens with depression show disrupted dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between key regions of the amygdala—an emotion-processing hub—and other brain areas such as the precentral gyrus and cingulate cortex. These abnormalities suggest that teens with depression may struggle to regulate emotions due to altered brain network activity.

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression

Depression can manifest in diverse ways. Some signs are obvious—like persistent sadness or crying—while others may be more subtle, like low energy, changes in sleep or eating patterns, blunted affect or social/emotional withdrawal. Understanding the full symptom profile can help parents identify if their child may be struggling with depression. Depression affects one’s functioning in daily life.

Emotional Signs

Persistent sadness or tearfulness
Hopelessness or feelings of worthlessness
Irritability or anger outbursts
Excessive guilt or self-criticism
Apathy or lack of motivation
Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy

Behavioral Signs

Withdrawal from friends or family
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Decline in academic performance
Risk-taking, rebellion, or defiance
Substance use or experimentation
Self-harm behaviors (e.g., cutting, burning)

Physical Symptoms

Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
Appetite changes and weight fluctuations
Frequent fatigue or low energy
Unexplained physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
Neglect of hygiene or appearance

Social Changes

Isolation or avoidance of social interactions
Trouble maintaining friendships
Feeling misunderstood or rejected
Increased sensitivity to criticism

Some teens may appear to function well externally but struggle internally—this is often referred to as signs of high-functioning depression in teens.

How Depression Differs from Normal Teen Moodiness

It’s normal for teens to experience mood swings, especially in response to stress, social changes, or hormonal shifts. However, clinical depression is more intense, long-lasting, and disruptive.

Normal Moodiness

Depression

Temporary (days)

Lasts 2+ weeks

Triggered by events

May persist without clear cause

Still enjoys activities

Loses interest in hobbies/friends

Can still function in daily activities

Daily life severely impaired

If you’re unsure, see our article on teen angst vs. depression for more detailed guidance.

How to Support a Teen with Depression

Parental support plays a vital role in a teen’s recovery. Here’s how you can help:

Validate their feelings without rushing to fix them. Ensure your child understands that their feelings are valid and important; and that they matter.
Encourage open dialogue—ask, listen, validate, and avoid judgment
Model healthy routines, such as taking care of yourself— including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and emotional regulation; and encourage your child that they are worth taking care of themselves too.
Create a structured, consistent and emotionally safe, low-stress home environment, ensuring your child feels supported
Stay connected even if your teen seems distant, ask questions on how they are doing and how they are feeling. Ensure they know you care about them and are a safe space to express their feelings
Involve a professional—therapy can help your teen develop tools to cope with their depression.

Remember, depression is treatable, and support makes a difference.

Warning Signs of Suicide and Self-Harm in Teens

Some teens with depression may experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-injury. Warning signs include:

Talking or joking about death or suicide
Writing farewell notes or giving away belongings
Sudden calmness after a depressive period
Self-harming (cutting, burning, etc.)
Withdrawing completely from loved ones

If your teen shows any of these signs, seek immediate help. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit the nearest emergency room. For more steps, see how to find a therapist for your teen.

When to Seek Help and Next Steps

If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with school, relationships, or self-care, consult a licensed mental health professional. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Steps to take:

Have an open, nonjudgmental conversation with your teen
Ask if they’ve been feeling down, overwhelmed, or hopeless
Request a professional screening for depression
Explore therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy for teens

Handspring Health offers free intake consultations with experienced child and adolescent therapists. We’re here to support your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my teen is depressed or just moody?
Clinical depression is more persistent, intense, and impairing than normal moodiness. It often disrupts sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. Learn more about teen angst vs. depression.

What should I do if my teen talks about suicide or self-harm?
Stay calm, listen carefully, and do not leave them alone. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and seek immediate professional support.

Can depression in teens go away on its own?
While some symptoms may fluctuate, clinical depression typically requires intervention. Untreated depression can worsen over time. Early professional support improves outcomes and builds lifelong coping skills.

Resources and Next Steps

Recognizing the signs of teen depression is the first step toward healing. If you suspect your teen may be struggling, trust your instincts and take action. Support, treatment, and hope are within reach.