Is Your Teen Just Having a Rough Week - or Is It Depression? How to Tell the Difference
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Is this normal teenage moodiness, or should I be worried?, you’re not alone. Parenting a teen can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster—you see glimpses of the child you once knew, then moments later, they’re withdrawn, irritable, or completely shut down. It’s confusing, and it can be hard to tell when your teen is just having a tough day versus when something deeper is going on.
It’s normal for teens to feel sad sometimes—maybe they had a rough day at school, a friendship fell apart, or they’re dealing with the stress of growing up. But if their sadness lingers and starts affecting their daily life, it might be more than just a passing phase.
So how do you know when it’s time to step in?
Typical Teen Behavior vs. Signs of Depression
Teenagers experience big emotions, and mood swings are common as their brains and bodies develop. But here are a few key differences between what’s considered typical and what may signal something more serious:
Typical Teen Behavior: Sometimes they’re moody, irritable, or want more space. They may seem frustrated with you but still spend time with friends, do their schoolwork (even if they complain about it), and show interest in things they enjoy.
When It Might Be More Than That: You notice they’ve been down for weeks, not just days. They stop wanting to do things they used to love, spend more time alone, or seem constantly exhausted. Maybe they’re sleeping way more than usual or hardly at all, eating a lot more or barely touching their food. If they make comments like “What’s the point?” or seem really hopeless, that’s a sign they may need more support.
Some research suggests that teens experience depression differently than adults, with more noticeable changes in their sleep, energy levels, and appetite (Rice et al., 2019). If your teen seems physically drained all the time or has lost interest in things they used to enjoy, it’s worth paying closer attention.
Trust your gut—if something feels off, it’s okay to ask questions.
What Can You Do If You’re Concerned?
If you notice signs of depression, the most important thing you can do is let your teen know you’re there. Even if they push you away, knowing they have a safe place to turn makes a difference. Here’s where to start:
Open the conversation gently. Instead of jumping in with “Are you depressed?” try something softer, like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately. Want to talk about it?”
Listen without trying to fix it. Your teen might not be ready to open up, and that’s okay. Show them you’re listening without judgment.
Offer support, not pressure. Let them know they don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s talking to you, a trusted teacher, or a therapist, they have options.
Consider professional help. If their sadness is persistent, affecting their daily life, or if they mention feeling hopeless, therapy can be a valuable step. Having a neutral space to talk can help them process what they’re going through.
Some teens are naturally more reserved or cautious in social situations, but when that hesitancy becomes extreme—like avoiding activities they once enjoyed or constantly worrying about how others see them—it can increase their risk of developing depression. Research shows that teens who are highly self-conscious or anxious in social settings may be more likely to experience persistent sadness or withdrawal (Muris et al., 2001).
When to Reach Out for Help
As a parent, you don’t have to have all the answers—but you don’t have to navigate this alone, either. If you’re worried about your teen’s mental health, we’re here to help. Our therapists at LA Psychotherapy Group understand teens and what they’re going through. We create a space where they can talk openly, feel supported, and learn practical ways to handle their emotions.
If you’re unsure whether therapy might help, we’d love to connect and talk through any concerns. Sometimes, just having someone to guide the next steps can make all the difference.
Click here for more information on adolescent and teen therapy.
References
Rice, F., et al. (2019). Adolescent and adult differences in major depression symptom profiles. Journal of Affective Disorders, 243, 175–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.015
Muris, P., et al. (2001). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 39(9), 1051–1061. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(00)00079-3