Managing the rollercoaster of emotions during adolescence can be difficult for a parent. Equally challenging can be differentiating “typical” teen behavior with what could be a mental health issue—especially for teen boys. Because teen boys often respond differently to depression than teen girls, their symptoms are harder to spot.
It’s important to know when your teenager needs support for their mental health. Understanding the signs of depression in teen boys can allow you to help your child more proactively.
Key Takeaways
- Major depressive episodes affect around 11 percent of teen boys.
- While symptoms in teen girls are typically more consistent with sadness, such as crying, symptoms in teen boys may look like anger and irritability.
- For some teen boys, depression can be a trigger for acting out, using substances to self-medicate, and serious behavior changes.
- Getting support from a mental health counselor can be critical for both you and your teen as you learn how to navigate these issues.
Is It Depression or Teenage ‘Growing Pains’?
Depression, formally known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder and a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. While some people may not have persistent depression, many may experience a major depressive episode, where depression symptoms last at least two weeks.
When is a teenager’s sadness “normal” versus a sign of a mental health issue? A circumstance or challenge may cause a teenager to feel sad or even in despair; when that circumstance changes or they adjust, their mood improves. This is the sign of a typical growing pain.
However, with depression, a teen’s mood does not recover, and marked behavioral changes accompany their feelings of sadness, irritability, and numbness. They may lose touch with reality and even struggle to function normally.
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Depression in Teen Boys vs. Teen Girls
While adolescent girls experience mental health disorders at higher rates than their male peers, teen boys’ symptoms are often overlooked because they present differently than their female peers. In fact, Science News reveals that screening tools may miss depression in one out of every 10 males. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, around 11 percent of male adolescents aged 12-17 experience a major depressive episode.
Moreover, other studies show that 14 to 43 percent of boys go through at least one trauma. Of those children, 1 to 6 percent of boys develop PTSD. The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the CDC revealed that 14 percent of adolescent boys considered suicide and 12 percent made a suicide plan. Knowing the signs and symptoms of depression in teen boys can be live saving.
While symptoms in teen girls are typically more consistent with sadness, such as crying, symptoms in teen boys may look like anger and irritability. Girls tend to internalize their feelings; boys tend to externalize them, engaging in more high-risk behaviors and having a short temper. That’s because it’s more socially acceptable for girls to talk about their emotions and ask for help. But boys are socialized to avoid looking “weak,” so they tend to hide their feelings or express them as aggression rather than distress.
Depression Signs and Symptoms for Teen Boys
For some teen boys, depression can be a trigger for acting out, using substances to self-medicate, and serious behavior changes. They may isolate or suddenly change their friend group; they may sleep a lot or very little. For boys with generally sunny personalities, self-deprecating humor may be a way to deflect from negative feelings. They may put on a public face of normalcy and positivity while privately dealing with deep despair and refusing to engage emotionally.
Depression can be persistent or come in episodes of two weeks or more at a time. The following are some general signs of depression in teen boys:
- Persistent sadness
- Short temper or frequent outbursts of anger
- Negative or critical outlook
- Aggression and consistent irritability
- Self-isolating
- Difficulty concentrating, which may show up as poor academic performance
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Apathy
- Hopelessness
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Low self-esteem
- Neglect of grooming habits or hygiene
- Low energy or no motivation
- Change in sleep patterns
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Aches and pains, such as headaches or stomach issues
- Loss of appetite
- Suicidal ideation or suicide plans
As mentioned previously, boys may also mask symptoms with a positive attitude or humor. If you try to talk to your son about emotional or serious issues and they continue to make jokes, deflect, or avoid the conversation, these may be signs that he is experiencing depression or another painful problem. Reaching out to a mental health professional is your best next step in supporting your teen.
Causes and Risk Factors for Teen Male Depression
What causes depression in teen boys? Teen depression can have a number of causes, from family history to personality, environment, physical illness, substance use, and traumatic experiences.
The following are some risk factors for teen depression:
- Family history of mental health conditions
- A diagnosis of learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD
- Chronic pain, injuries, or illnesses
- Substance use
- Trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACES)
- Multiple sources of stress
- Bullying or peer pressure
- Traumatic brain injury
- Family conflict or disruption
- Loss of a family member, friend, or caregiver
Teen boys may seek a number of ways to cope when they’re dealing with depression. They may start using substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs in order to “feel” something or distract from their feelings. They may also take more risks, engage in violence, or become very reclusive.
Teen Depression Treatment
Teen depression treatment can take a few different forms. Sometimes it may mean seeing a licensed counselor on a regular basis to process difficult emotions, trauma, or personal struggles. Medication may be prescribed as needed to help rebalance chemicals in the brain and help teens feel emotionally stable again.
If your teenage boy is experiencing life-disrupting symptoms, he may benefit from a stay in a residential treatment center. Outpatient treatment is also an option, allowing flexibility for school or work.
Depression can often co-occur with other mental health conditions or substance use issues, so a treatment program can be helpful in getting to the root causes and addressing any underlying trauma for the best chance at long-term healing.
Treatment is a process, but healing from depression is more than possible. Teen males can regain their sense of self, build resilience, learn valuable coping skills, and thrive in their lives again.
How to Help Your Teen Boy
You may be wondering how to help your teen boy if you believe he is struggling with depression. This can be a challenge at first, especially if your teenage boy is shutting down, avoidant, isolating, or deflecting. However, being present and continually offering to listen is more effective than it seems. Getting support from a mental health counselor can be critical for both you and your teen as you learn how to navigate these issues.
Additionally, you could consult a medical professional to see if there are any underlying physical illnesses that could be triggering depression-like symptoms in your teen. A medical professional can help diagnose these issues or identify clinical depression, opening the door to treatment.
If you believe your teen is considering suicide, call the suicide helpline at 988. Ensure that all firearms and prescription drugs are safely locked away. Get in touch with a doctor and a mental health professional for assistance.
Compassionate Depression Treatment for Teen Boys
At Newport Academy, we understand the needs of teen males with depression and other mental health conditions. We take a compassionate, research-backed approach to treatment, and our multidisciplinary team of experts specially trained to work with adolescent males.
In addition to individual, group, and family therapy, our program includes experiential therapies. Depending on location, these could include: Adventure Therapy, Mixed Martial Arts, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
If you believe that your teen is dealing with depression and needs treatment, get in touch with us today. Our admissions team is standing by ready to answer all of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources:
Science News, June 2023
2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2011–2023
National Institute of Mental Health
