Q: My son has been acting depressed. Can this be a serious problem?

Ask Our Expert About Teens and Suicide

About Our Expert

Sarah Stevens, M.D. is an adolescent medicine specialist.

Practicing Medicine Since

1993

Education

B.A. in Biology, 1983, Wells College, Aurora, NY

M.D., 1987, State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn College of Medicine

Master of Public Health, 1998, University of Massachusetts

Residency in Internal Medicine

University of Massachusetts Medical Center

Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine

University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Dept. of Pediatrics

Board Certification

Board certified in Internal Medicine and Adolescent Medicine

• My son has been acting depressed. Can this be a serious problem?
• Why do young people get depressed?
• How can I tell if it's depression or just moodiness?
• How is depression treated?
• My son doesn't want to see a mental health professional? What should I do?
• How will his friends respond to him receiving mental health treatment?

Q: My son has been acting depressed. Can this be a serious problem?

A: Yes. Depression can lead to suicide, a growing problem in United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-19. If your child attempts suicide, go straight to the emergency department. If he talks about it, call a mental health professional immediately.

Q: Why do young people get depressed?

A: Like in adults, depression in teens is caused by stress, the loss of a loved one, a chronic illness like diabetes, or a family history of depression. There are teen-specific factors, too. Not making the sports team, break-ups, a family relocation or being picked on by classmates can be very traumatic.

Q: How can I tell if it's depression or just moodiness?

A: If you suspect a problem, watch for these symptoms:

• Frequent vague physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
• Frequent school absences or poor performance
• Talk of or trying to run away from home
• Shouting, complaining or crying
• Increased irritability or anger
• Boredom and lack of energy
• Lack of interest in activities and friendships
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Loss of self-esteem
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Reckless behavior

If five or more of these symptoms last more than two weeks, call a mental health professional.

Q: How is depression treated?

A: It's different for each person. Sometimes talk therapy alone can be effective. In other teens, the best results come from a combination of individual or group counseling and medication. Family involvement is an important part of therapy. Most youngsters start to feel better within a few weeks because they're able to share their burdens and feelings with others. The best news is that depression is highly treatable.

Q: My son doesn't want to see a mental health professional? What should I do?

A: Start with your primary care doctor. He or she can rule out any physical problem that may be causing the depression. Many teens find it easier to confide in a trusted doctor than in a parent.

Q: How will his friends respond to him receiving mental health treatment?

A: There's no need to tell anyone he’'s receiving mental health care. If he chooses to tell his friends, or if they find out, be upfront. Have him tell his friends he was feeling down and needed to go somewhere to concentrate on how to handle it. If they are true friends, they won’t reject him.

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