Teenage depression is unfortunately common, with around twenty percent of teenagers suffering from the disorder. It is not always easy to spot the signs, though, as many of the symptoms overlap with normal teenage mood swings caused by hormones. If you are worried your teen may be depressed, here are six signs you should watch out for.

1: Isolating Themselves

One of the most common signs of depression is withdrawal from people. If your once bubbly and talkative teen is now shutting themselves in their room and barely speaking to you or anyone else, it is time to get involved. While they might just be going through a phase, it could also be depression.

Do not worry, there are plenty of treatment options available for your teen, and you can find some of the best at igniteteentreatment.com. By seeking treatment sooner rather than later, your teen has a better chance at overcoming their depression.

2: Poor School Performance 

If your kid was once a steady B-grade student but now struggles to attain a C in subjects they once enjoyed, it is a sign something else could be going on, especially if they drop suddenly. While they might just be struggling with the material (and in this case, it is a good idea to chat to their teachers), there is also a chance that a mental health issue is the cause.

3: No Interest in Hobbies They Once Loved 

Does your previously hobby-loving teen now show little interest in activities they used to enjoy? That is a sign they are not feeling themselves, and it could be depression. While they might simply not be interested in drama club or a particular sport anymore, if they suddenly drop everything they used to love doing, it is time to step in and find out what is going on.

4: Sleeping Too Much 

Teens need more sleep than adults, but if they are in bed for twelve hours a day, something is not quite right. A good idea here would be to implement a sleeping routine, but if they do not respond well to this, consider the possibility they might be depressed. Other health issues can cause oversleeping, too, so do not rule anything out at first.

5: Rapid Weight Loss or Weight Gain  

Your teen losing a little weight after starting a sport or cutting back on sugar is not something to be overly concerned with, but if they suddenly gain or lose a bunch of weight, something could be wrong. Not only is depression common in teens, but eating disorders are, too, and they often go hand in hand with depression. Even if your teen is not suffering from an eating disorder, weight gain or weight loss is a common sign of depression and needs addressing. Just do not be too blunt or critical about it, as weight is often a sensitive subject.

6: Acting More Rebellious 

If your once sensible and rule-following kid is getting into trouble at school and acting up at home, it might not just be as simple as a phase. While it is understandable to be angry, you must also consider that they are going through something mentally, especially if you have also noticed other signs of depression. In this case, seek help from a counselor or doctor.

As a parent, it is crucial to know the signs of depression in order to seek treatment as soon as possible. By noticing the signs early on, your teen will have a better time getting through recovery.