Understanding Major Depressive Disorder in Teens

Major Depressive Disorder is a lot more serious than most people realize. I often hear teens and parents come in to my therapy office saying someone’s depressed, but meeting the full diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder in teens is less common. In this post I will be discussing how to recognize Major Depressive Disorder in teens and what to do about it.

Depression Looks Different in Teens

Major Depressive Disorder in teens doesn’t always look like it does in adults. This can make it a little harder to spot.

How It Looks the Same

Some symptoms are similar, like crying a lot, sleeping too much (or not at all), losing interest in things they used to love, or feeling hopeless. But there are other signs that are way easier to miss.

How it Looks Different

Instead of low energy, teens often show a lot of irritability. We’re not just talking about normal teenage moodiness either. This kind of irritability can seem extreme and irrational. When it’s paired with things like falling grades, pulling away from friends, or feeling hopeless, it’s time to pay attention.

When to Get Your Teen Evaluated

If your teen seems more irritable than usual and it lasts for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a mental health professional. And if your teen ever says they want to die or mentions suicidal thoughts—don’t wait two weeks. Get your teen evaluated right away. A lot of teens say these things for attention, but take it seriously. It’s always better to be cautious.

Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder in Teens Often Go Together

Another tricky thing about Major Depressive Disorder in teens is that it often comes with anxiety. Many teens who are feeling depressed also get overwhelmed and nervous more easily. They might start avoiding situations they used to handle just fine. That nervous energy is part of the bigger emotional picture.

How You Can Help Your Teen with Major Depressive Disorder

So what can you do? First, sit down with your teen for a real, honest talk. Ask if something’s been bothering them. Be ready—they might bring up school stress, mean friends, or even ways they feel hurt by you. It’s okay. Try to listen without jumping in to fix or defend yourself.

Teens See Things Differently

And remember: teens often see the world differently than adults. They might take things personally that aren’t actually about them. For example, if you’ve been stressed at work and therefore more short-tempered, they might think you’re mad at them. Gently help them see a bigger picture without brushing off their feelings.

Keep Checking In

After your heart-to-heart, watch your teen for a few days. If they don’t seem any better, check in again. Let them know it’s okay to talk to a therapist, and offer to help them find someone. You’d be surprised how many teens secretly want someone to talk to but don’t know how to ask for it.

Quick Takeaways on Major Depressive Disorder in Teens

1.Major depression in teens is a real and serious emotional disorder.

2. Don’t assume it’s just for attention—if your teen seems off, pay attention.

3. Take all comments about suicide seriously, every time.

4. Talk with your teen and get help if things don’t improve.

5. Depression doesn’t mean failure—for your teen or for you as a parent.

You Got This

Major Depressive Disorder in teens is a hard thing to deal with. If your not sure if your teen is suffering from this, continue to check in with them. If they don’t improve seek professional help, and if they mention suicide, talk to a professional right away. Otherwise, just be there for your teen, and you will get through it together.

Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT