Depression can affect any person at any age. While prevalence is higher in adults and older people, children and adolescents are prone to the disorder as well. The triggers and causes however, may differ. One demographic that is particularly susceptible to depression is teenage girls. Depression in teenage girls can be triggered by a number of aspects. In general teenage girls tend to be very volatile with several psychological and physiological changes taking place. The development of secondary sexual characteristics as well as the initiation of menstruation can cause a lot of strain mentally. Besides this, girls tend to be emotionally weak at this age and may become depressed after having their heart broken in a relationship or after fights and misunderstandings that occur between friends.
Teenage girl depression may be hard to spot because the signs of teenage depression may be mistaken as usual adolescent behavior. While it is normal for symptoms of depression in teenage girls to be similar to usual behavior in teenage children, there are certain specific aspects that you should be on lookout for. Spells of breaking down and crying every once in a while is normal however if it is happening on a frequent basis to the extent that it is disrupting their normal day to day lives, it could be an indication of depression.
Another one of the main signs of depression in teenage girls is loss of appetite. A small appetite again, is typical behavior associated with teenage girls because they are concerned about their physique and may develop an obsession with remaining slim. However, if they start avoiding foods they usually crave for and enjoy or if the lack of appetite is severe, it could suggest the possibility of depression.
Teenage girls are generally very social and enjoy spending a lot of time with a select group of friends, even if it is simply gossiping. If you notice that instead, the girl spends a lot of time in her room, isolated with barely any contact in friends, this could be an indicator that she is depressed. The other signs of depression in teenage girls are fairly common symptoms associated with the disorder such as insomnia or hypersomnia, loss of interest in things and activities in general, feeling hopeless and worthless as well as physiological symptoms such as body pain and fatigue.
Teenage years are a vital phase of development mentally and physically. The effects of the disorder can seriously cause a strain mentally and physically and can affect growth. For this reason, it is essential to identify symptoms early and alleviate symptoms.