Signs and symptoms of teen depression

It's hard to put into words how depression feels, and people experience it differently. There are, however, some common problems and symptoms that teens with depression experience.

Is your friend depressed?

If you’re a teenager with a friend who seems down or troubled, you may suspect depression. But how do you know it’s not just a passing phase or a bad mood? Look for common warning signs of teen depression:

•Your friend doesn’t want to do the things you guys used to love to do.
•Your friend starts using alcohol or drugs or hanging with a bad crowd.
•Your friend stops going to classes and afterschool activities.
•Your friend talks about being bad, ugly, stupid, or worthless.
•Your friend starts talking about death or suicide.