22/01/2026
Depression in Adolescence: Are We Missing Something?
When we think of depression, we often imagine sadness, crying, or withdrawal. But in adolescents, depression doesn’t always look that way — and that’s where many young people are being missed.
Teen depression can show up as :
•irritability
•anger
•constant tiredness
•declining school performance
•risk-taking behaviour
•physical complaints like headaches and stomach pain
Too often, these signs are dismissed as “just teenage mood swings,” “bad attitude,” or “laziness.”
Adolescence is a time of intense brain development, emotional sensitivity, and identity formation. Teens are still learning how to understand and express their feelings. Many don’t have the words to say “I’m struggling” — so their distress shows up in behaviour instead.
Add to this the pressures of:
• Academic stress
• Family conflict
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Social media comparison
• Fear of not fitting in
…and it becomes clear that depression is often a response to overwhelming stress, not a personal weakness.
What makes it harder is stigma. Many adolescents don’t seek help because they fear being judged, ignored, or misunderstood. Some only reach out when their pain becomes unbearable — and by then, the consequences can be serious.
💬 What can we do?
✔ Listen without judgment
✔ Take behavioural changes seriously
✔ Create safe spaces for teens to talk
✔ Normalize mental health conversations
✔ Seek professional help early
Depression in adolescence is not “just a phase.”
Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is stop assuming — and start listening.
If this post helps you understand a young person better, please share it. You never know who might need to feel seen today. 💙
