--- title: "Recognizing Depression in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "Teen depression often looks different from adult depression. 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The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Recognizing Depression in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents", "description": "Teen depression often looks different from adult depression. Know the warning signs and how to help.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2024-05-20T00:00:00+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/teen-depression-warning-signs" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Child & Adolescent # Recognizing Depression in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board Certified Psychiatrist • Monday, May 20, 2024 • 1 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs&text=Recognizing%20Depression%20in%20Teenagers%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Parents)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs&title=Recognizing%20Depression%20in%20Teenagers%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Parents)[]() Depression in teenagers can be difficult to recognize because some symptoms overlap with typical adolescent behavior. However, early identification and intervention are crucial for recovery. ## How Teen Depression Differs Teenagers with depression may show irritability more than sadness, sensitivity to criticism, withdrawal from some people but not others, physical complaints, and academic decline. ## Warning Signs to Watch For **Emotional Changes:** Persistent sadness or hopelessness, frequent crying or emotional outbursts, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, low self-esteem or excessive guilt. **Behavioral Changes:** Social withdrawal, declining grades, changes in sleep or appetite, risk-taking behavior, substance use. ## How Parents Can Help Create open, non-judgmental communication. Take your teen's feelings seriously. Encourage—but don't force—social connection. Limit screen time and promote physical activity. Seek professional evaluation when concerned. If you are concerned about your teenager, trust your instincts and seek help. Early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs&text=Recognizing%20Depression%20in%20Teenagers%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Parents)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fteen-depression-warning-signs&title=Recognizing%20Depression%20in%20Teenagers%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Parents)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Child & Adolescent ### The Communication Fix Up Communication Fix Up. This article is inspired by a talk given by Charles Duhigg, a journalist and best-selling author during the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29th, 2024. The talk is titled, “Super co... Jul 23, 2024 5 min read ](/article/the-communication-fix-up)[ Child & Adolescent ### My Session With Santa (part 2) (This is a recycling of an article I posted over 11 years ago. It is mostly the same, just some minor changes. I figured it would be nice to post something light). “I stopped believing in Santa Claus ... Dec 18, 2020 5 min read ](/article/my-session-with-santa-part-2)[ Child & Adolescent ### The Vape Debate I have noticed an uptick in adolescents using vape devices. This is reflected in the 2017 Monitoring the Future survey (a survey that encompasses tens of thousands of teenagers regarding trends in dru... 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