Symptoms:
Severe Changes

Using Drugs or Alcohol

  • Many teenagers try to “self-medicate” because of how they feel by using drugs or alcohol
  • It is an attempt to feel differently, even if it’s for a short amount of time
  • In the long term, the use of drugs or alcohol does not work and can make the depression worse
  • An escalating or new use of substances should trigger an evaluation of underlying Major Depression
    Learn about treating addiction

 

Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide

  • Comes from a false belief that the suffering teen has no future and cannot contribute to the world
  • The most severe symptom of depression and needs immediate attention
  • Should be considered an emergency

Learn more about Major Depression symptoms