Teen Mood Swings: Is It Just Puberty or Something More?
Disclaimer: This blog discusses depression. If you require immediate support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
For both teenagers and parents, navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence can be challenging. Between trying to navigate high school, figuring out who you are and who you want to be, and hormonal changes during puberty, it is common for mood swings, irritability and emotional fluctuations to occur. So how do we know when these mood swings are part of growing up, and when they might signal something more serious, like depression?
Research shows that while hormonal changes during adolescence can lead to mood swings (everything is great, or at least “fine” one minute, and the next your parents/friends/school is “the worst”), this is a transitory state that one typically grows through. Depression on the other hand is a serious mental health condition that requires support from professionals. Here are some key things to look out for as a parent or teen, that might signal you need to chat to someone.
Length of feeling low:
Sure, we all have days where we feel low or have a variations in our emotion or mood across the day, but depression sticks around for longer. Being a teenager can be hard, but it should not feel as though every day is difficult. If feelings of emptiness, sadness or hopelessness are persistent for around two weeks with no clear reason, and nothing seems to help, it might indicate that you should be taking notice.
For parents, irritability, a common symptom of puberty, can also be exacerbated when someone is depressed. So while we don’t want to jump every moment a young person snaps, if the teen in your life appears to be constantly in a bad mood it is probably time to understand more about how they are feeling.
Decrease in motivation:
As a teenager, it’s normal to lose motivation to do some things (lets be honest, we all can feel unmotivated to wash the dishes or take out the trash), but studies have found that depression often comes with loss of interest in activities one use to enjoy or consider important. Other signs may be a decrease in motivation to connect with others. If you as a teen find it’s too much effort to see people, even your closer friends or family, it might be worth talking to someone you can trust.
Parents, if you find that your adolescent suddenly “can’t be bothered” attending social events that they use to enjoy, this is worth checking on.
Changes in physical symptoms:
Did you know that depression can show up in your body too? A change in appetite, sleeping more, or less than usual, and feeling tired all the time, can signal that something might be up. Understandably, a change in eating and sleeping habits is commonly noticed during puberty, so it can be tricky to tease apart. Research suggests that unexplained headaches and stomach aches can be part of depression too. If you, or your teen, is experiencing these symptoms along with emotional struggles, there are people out there who can help.
Identifying risk:
Sometimes depressed people have thoughts about hurting themselves or dying. While occasional and fleeting thoughts of wishing one was not here are not always a reason for alarm, if you are finding these thoughts are frequent or loud in your mind, its important to seek help immediately. Psychologists and other health professionals are well placed to help you figure things out.
For parents, even if it is in the heat of the moment, if your teenager starts saying things like “I wish I was dead” it might be wise you sit down once things have settled and ask what else is going on.
As you can see, differentiating from hormonal and behavioural changes during adolescence can be hard. There are certain factors that can increase the risk of depression during adolescence. Experiences like academic pressure, conflict, loss, or trauma, increase the risk of mental health difficulties. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. We understand that being a teenager isn’t easy, and there are lots of tools and resources that can be used to support navigating these years, for both teens and parents.
Here are some strategies for when you’re feeling like these foggy feelings aren’t going away:
For teenagers:
Talk to someone you trust: Chatting to a friend, teacher, parent or professional about how you have been feeling.
Do things you enjoy: Although depression can make it hard to do activities you enjoy, try to include small activities that you used to enjoy each day. It’s important to do things that give you the opportunity to experience a sense achievement and joy.
Get back to basics: Take care of your body and mind by getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals and moving your body in a way that you enjoy.
Seek professional help: You don’t need to do this alone, seeking support from a professional can help you navigate emotions and thoughts, and help with developing healthy coping strategies.
For parents:
Look after yourself: Research indicates clear links between a parent’s mental health and their young person’s. As a parent, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Encourage healthy habits: Encourage your teen to prioritize self-care by sleeping, eating well and moving their body in a way they enjoy.
Listen without judgement. Create a safe and supportive environment for your teen to talk about their feelings. Listen to what they are saying, and validate their emotions, before jumping to problem solving.
Author: Myah Devlin
Psychologist
References
Beirão, D., Monte, H., Amaral, M. et al. Depression in adolescence: a review. Middle East Curr Psychiatry 27, 50 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-020-00050-z
Mendle, J., Beam, C.R., McKone, K.M.P. and Koch, M.K. (2020), Puberty and Transdiagnostic Risks for Mental Health. J Res Adolesc, 30: 687-705. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.12552
Stumper, A., Alloy, L.B. Associations Between Pubertal Stage and Depression: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 54, 312–339 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01244-0