Is My Teen Just Moody or are they Depressed?
Understanding Signs of Depression in Teens and When to Seek Help
Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s also a period marked by natural mood swings, increased independence, and shifting family dynamics. As a parent, it can be hard to know whether your teen’s irritability, withdrawal, or changes in behavior are part of normal development, or signs of something more serious, like depression.
You’re not alone in wondering this. And it’s a good question to ask.
Depression in Teens: More Common Than You Might Think
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 teenagers will experience a diagnosable episode of major depression before they reach adulthood. Yet depression in adolescents is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, in part because the signs can be easy to miss, or mistaken for typical “teenage behavior.”
Teens don’t always present with sadness in the ways adults might expect. In fact, many parents are surprised to learn that irritability and anger, not sadness, are some of the most common mood-related symptoms of depression in young people.
Common Signs of Teen Depression
Every teen is different, but here are some of the most frequent signs parents and caregivers should be aware of:
Persistent irritability or anger
Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
Changes in sleep, either sleeping much more or struggling with insomnia
Changes in appetite or weight
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating or declining school performance
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
Increased sensitivity to rejection or criticism
Frequent tearfulness or emotional outbursts
Talking about death, dying, or feeling like a burden (even indirectly)
Some teens may also engage in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance use, reckless driving, or self-harm. These behaviors aren’t always signs of depression, but when they show up alongside other symptoms, they can be red flags.
So What’s the Difference Between Teen Moodiness and Depression?
The short answer: duration, severity, and impact.
All teens will have ups and downs. But when the changes in mood, behavior, or functioning last more than two weeks, interfere with their daily life, or seem out of character, it’s worth paying closer attention.
Ask yourself:
Is this just a bad day, or has it been a hard few weeks (or months)?
Are they able to bounce back, or do they seem stuck?
Is this behavior typical for them, or does it feel like something new or different?
Are their relationships, school performance, or self-care significantly affected?
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t need to wait for it to get worse to reach out for support.
When (and How) to Seek Help
If you’re concerned about your teen, start by creating a calm, open space to check in with them. Use nonjudgmental, specific language:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really tired and down lately, and I just want to know how you’re doing. I care about you, and I’m here if something’s going on.”
Some teens will be relieved to talk. Others may minimize or dismiss your concern. That’s okay, you can still seek guidance from a mental health professional, especially if the behaviors are persisting or intensifying.
A licensed therapist can help determine whether what your teen is experiencing is part of typical development or if there’s a mental health concern that needs more attention.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy provides teens with a safe, confidential space to explore what they’re feeling, learn healthy coping tools, and gain perspective on their experiences.
Therapy can help teens:
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
Develop emotional regulation skills
Improve communication and self-advocacy
Strengthen relationships
Reconnect with interests and sense of self
Explore their identity and value system
It can also be a source of relief for parents, to know their child is supported by someone trained to help them navigate this complex time.
Final Thoughts
Teen depression is real, treatable, and more common than many people realize. You don’t need to have all the answers as a parent. What your teen needs most is your presence, your curiosity, and your willingness to get support when it’s needed.
If you’re noticing persistent changes in your teen’s mood or behavior, or if you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is cause for concern, we’re here to help. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Need support? Our practice offers therapy for adolescents and guidance for parents navigating mental health concerns in teens. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help.
