While teenage angst is to be expected, depression is something that is not. HEALTH presents the red flags of teenage depression that parents should look out for.

Some teens may show pervasive sadness by wearing black clothes, writing poetry with morbid themes, or having a preoccupation with music that has unhealthy themes.

 Some teens may become apathetic and drop out of clubs, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed.

 Persistent boredom, low energy, lack of motivation, and lowered energy level is reflected by missed classes or not going to school.

 Depressed teens may avoid family gatherings and events. Teens that used to spend a lot of time with friends may now spend most of their time alone and without interests.

 Increased irritability, anger, or hostility; depressed teens often take out most of their anger on their family. They may attack others by being critical, sarcastic, or abusive.

 They may exhibit poor concentration, a major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns, or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior which are symptoms to look out for.

 If a child or teen says, ‘I want to kill myself,’ or ‘I’m going to commit suicide,’ always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional.