Teenagers go through a lot of emotions as they go through puberty. It can be difficult for a parent to know whether they’re just going through some angst or if they are experiencing depression. Understanding the differences between the two means that some teens slip through the cracks when they need help the most. Here are ways to tell the differences between teen angst and depression so that you can intervene during those crucial moments.
What Is Teen Angst?
A teenager may feel like it’s the end of the world to the point that they may want to admit themselves into a mental health treatment center, but that might not be the best solution for them. It could just be a bout of angst. So what is teen angst exactly? For one, there is no medical definition of angst. It is defined as feelings of worry or dread brought on by apprehension, insecurity, and worry concerning a specific event, like a test, for example. It is usually deemed to be a natural part of becoming a healthy adult, especially if parents help teens cope with these negative emotions healthily.
How Teen Angst Differs From Depression
One of the main differences between depression and angst is that depression is a potentially life-threatening mental health condition if left untreated. Depression as a teenager can continue into adulthood, and can sometimes develop into other mood disorders as well. Teen angst typically goes away before adulthood.
Being Able To Recognize Depression In Teenagers
There are specific signs a parent should look for so that they can tell the difference between depression and teen angst. There are three main critical areas of concern that mental health professionals examine:
- Intensity of these negative feelings and behaviors: do these feelings interfere with the teenager’s everyday life? Measuring the intensity can help both teens and parents figure out if this is a developing mood disorder or a passing condition.
- How long do the symptoms last: do the thoughts and emotions come and go or do they continue for an extended period? If they do come and go, how long do they last before they disappear again?
- Situations that trigger these emotions or thoughts: teens typically express angst around authority figures, such as parents or teachers. Depression, on the other hand, is present in all situations and circumstances. It is more prominent throughout a teen’s daily activities and experiences.
Don’t misunderstand; there are some instances where teen angst, over a long period, can eventually evolve into depression. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcomes of treatment, so it’s important to look out for the signs as soon as possible. Speak with a healthcare professional if you fear that your teen might be developing signs of depression. You can help your teen get the treatment that they deserve, whether that involves individual therapy or family therapy to diagnose and treat all of the mental health issues they might be experiencing.
