The adolescent years may be a difficult period for everyone. In retrospect, High School years demand a lot from students in life. Suddenly, the carefree days are gone, and students are faced with the weight of growing up and all its responsibilities.
Despite the fact that it is a universal problem, some children are more affected than others. Many parents are unable to tell the difference between adolescent angst and adolescent depression. A sullen teenager has been shown by popular media, causing people to feel that this is the norm for certain teenagers, even if they don’t fit the stereotype.
However, despite the fact that depression is treatable and there are 24-hour helplines available, many youths are unable to use these resources because they are unaware of their own symptoms. As parents, it’s our job to provide them with the love, care and support they need the most.
Symptoms of Depression in a High School Student who are in Key Stage 4
Anxiety and depression are distinct. The former is temporary, while the latter may be debilitating for a lengthy period of time. A week of anguish may wreak havoc on the psyche of a student attending Key Stage 4, which needs attention at the right time as it can result in long term effects, ruining adulthood.
Depression can have a significant influence on a child’s daily life, such as making it difficult for them to focus at school, complete schoolwork, or interact socially with other children. In the absence of assistance, this will lead to a constant state of depression and rage, which might lead to self-harm or harming others.
It is not necessary for your child to cry or stay quiet when they are feeling depressed. Some even express their unhappiness in negative ways, such as being disobedient, bullying, or vandalising their surroundings. They’re not simply ‘acting out,’ as most of us believe.
Let’s look at some common signs to check in a High School student:
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Difficulty At School
A lot of parents are taken aback when their high school administrator calls to let them know that their adolescent is missing a lot of class time. More unexpectedly, it is not a one-time occurrence but rather a regular occurrence.
It is better for parents to attempt to speak to their children rather than confront them with an angry outburst. You may be astonished to hear that youngsters skipping classes are not because they are merely hanging out with pals, but because they are unable to focus and their grades are suffering.
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Addiction to Smart devices
Reality makes depressed Key Stage 4 students anxious and miserable. They seek a kind of escape in their search for numbness or, better yet, bliss. They find solace in their smart devices such as cell phones, tablets, and computers which allow them to take a break whenever they need it. Teens who spend too much time on their smartphones or gaming consoles and refuse to communicate with others are a cause for concern.
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Addiction to drugs
When a parent discovers that their adolescent is smoking, it might cause them to lose their composure. The issue will not be solved by wrathful confrontation. Quite the opposite, in fact. Try to figure out why an adolescent is smoking or using other drugs.
For some, it becomes a way to relax their restless brains, while for others, it is a way to try before they couldn’t stop themselves. Anxiety- and depression-induced substance abuse are common among High School kids.
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Wildness
Adolescent depression does not affect all young people in the same way. Some have a good time during the day, but at night they weep alone, not knowing why they are feeling the need to cry in the first place.
Computers and video games are not enough to help these outgoing teens deal with their concerns.
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Trying to Escape
Last but not least, they may use actual escape as a means of combating their despair. Some teens, particularly those who are suffering from mental health issues, simply want to get away from it all and vanish.
Provide mental health assistance if you notice something like this or as soon as the missing adolescent is located in such circumstances.
How to help a depressed High School student?
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Communicate
Depressed teenagers have many things in their minds than most people realise. Parents need to be good listeners and provide them with the support they need rather than try to lecture them.
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Don’t Deny
Adults may think teenagers’ concerns are inconsequential, but that’s not how they perceive it. Don’t be condescending or judgmental; instead, provide answers.
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Professional Help
In the event that nothing else works, and even if you intervene, take your child to a professional counsellor.
Conclusion
If your adolescent is depressed, don’t be alarmed. At some time in our lives, we all experience it and learn how to cope with it. The most important thing you can do for your High School child is to provide them with a safe, supportive environment and a listening ear. Even if you’ve done all you can to aid the adolescents, there are always specialists you may turn to for assistance.
