National Depression Screening Day for Teens

National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) is observed annually on the Thursday of the first full week of October. In 2024, it falls on October 10th. This important day was created to encourage people to check in on their mental health and recognize the early signs of depression. Just like getting regular physical check-ups, mental health screenings are crucial in identifying problems before they escalate. Depression often goes unnoticed, but it affects more than 264 million people worldwide.

By offering free and anonymous screenings, NDSD gives people an opportunity to assess their mental health and connect with resources for teens. Early detection can lead to better outcomes, so raising awareness on this day plays a critical role in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Blume Behavioral Health is dedicated to supporting mental wellness. Through easy access to free screenings, personalized treatment plans, and continuous support, Blume BH helps teens take the first step towards recovery. By focusing on holistic care, Blume ensures that every teen feels supported, not just diagnosed.

What Causes Teens to Become Depressed?

Depression in teens can be triggered by several factors. Stress from school, social pressures, or family issues often plays a role. Traumatic experiences, like bullying or the loss of a loved one, can also lead to depression. In some cases, genetics may be involved, as depression can run in families. Hormonal changes during adolescence can also make teens more vulnerable to feeling depressed. It’s important to remember that depression isn’t something teens can just “snap out of.” Recognizing the causes and symptoms early helps teens get the support they need to cope and recover.

How Depression Shows Up Differently in Teens

Depression in teens can be tricky to spot because it often doesn’t look the same as it does in adults. While adults might withdraw or seem deeply sad, teens may appear more irritable or easily frustrated. They might have sudden mood swings, act out, or seem unusually angry. These emotional changes are often written off as “just being a teen,” but they can be signs of something more serious.

Physical symptoms, like constant tiredness, changes in eating habits, or difficulty sleeping, are also common in depressed teens. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 13% of teens experience a major depressive episode each year. Yet, many teens don’t get the help they need because their depression is misunderstood.

It’s important for parents, teachers, and friends to recognize that depression can show up differently in teens, so they can spot the early signs and provide support. The sooner it’s recognized, the sooner teens can receive the care they need to feel better.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Teens

According to the CDC, about 15% of teens report having experienced a major depressive episode, and it’s crucial to recognize these symptoms early. Depression in teens can show up in different ways, but there are some common signs to look for. These include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness: If a teen feels down most of the time for weeks on end, it could be a sign of depression.
• Irritability or anger: Teens might lash out or get frustrated more easily than usual.
• Loss of interest in activities: Hobbies, sports, or socializing that used to bring joy may no longer seem appealing.
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits: Depression can lead to overeating or loss of appetite, as well as trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Fatigue or lack of energy: Even with enough rest, a teen may feel constantly tired or worn out.
• Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on schoolwork or making decisions is another common sign.
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Teens may become overly self-critical or feel like they’re a burden to others.
• Thoughts of death or suicide: This is a serious sign that needs immediate attention.
• Withdrawing from friends or family: Teens may start isolating themselves from loved ones, preferring to be alone instead of spending time with others.
• Physical complaints without a clear cause: Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other physical pains can sometimes be linked to depression, even when no medical issue is found.
• Restlessness or agitation: Some teens may appear fidgety, unable to sit still, or more on edge than usual.
• Drop in academic performance: A noticeable decline in grades or motivation to do schoolwork can signal that something deeper is going on.
• Risk-taking behavior: Some teens might engage in reckless or dangerous activities, such as substance abuse, driving dangerously, or skipping school.