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Being a tween is already a challenging phase, but when feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness take over, it can be even tougher. If you suspect your child might be struggling with depression, understanding their habits can help you support them better. Continue reading to find some common habits of a depressed tween.

Causes & Triggers of Depression in Tweens

1. Conflict or changes at home can impact a tween’s mental health.

2. Life changes, like parents separating or academic challenges, can weigh heavily on tweens.

3. Puberty brings hormonal shifts, which can affect mood and emotions.

4. Peer pressure, bullying, or feeling left out can be overwhelming for tweens.

5. Exams and difficult subjects can contribute to stress.

10 habits of a depressed tween

1. Withdrawal Woes

A depressed tween often withdraws from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed. They might prefer spending more time alone in their room, shutting themselves off from the world.

This isolation can exacerbate their depressive feelings, making it essential to gently encourage them to engage in social activities, even if it’s just with one close friend.

2. Emotional Rollercoaster

Tweens battling depression may experience intense mood swings, ranging from sadness to anger or irritability. One moment they might seem fine, and the next, they might burst into tears or react strongly to seemingly small issues.

Patience and understanding are key to navigating these emotional ups and downs. Encouraging open communication about their feelings can also be beneficial.

3. Sleep Struggles

Depressed tweens might find it difficult to fall asleep or have irregular sleep patterns. Some may oversleep, while others struggle with insomnia.

Establishing a calming bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed can help promote better sleep.

4. Academic Downturn

Depression can negatively impact a tween’s academic performance. They might lose interest in schoolwork, become forgetful, or have difficulty concentrating.

Offering academic support and discussing their challenges with teachers can help ease the pressure and create a supportive learning environment.

5. Change in Appetite

Depressed tweens might experience changes in their eating habits, either overeating or losing their appetite altogether. Encourage a balanced diet and involve them in meal planning to help instill healthier eating habits.

6. Negative Self-Talk

Tweens with depression often engage in negative self-talk, criticizing themselves excessively and feeling unworthy. Counteract this by offering consistent positive affirmations and helping them recognize their unique strengths and talents.

7. Loss of Interest

Hobbies and activities that once brought joy may lose their appeal for a depressed tween. Encourage them to try out new activities and hobbies to rediscover their passions.

8. Physical Ailments

Depression can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. While addressing these symptoms with medical professionals is essential, promoting physical activities like walks or bike rides can have positive effects on their overall well-being.

9. Increased Sensitivity

Depressed tweens may become more sensitive to criticism or rejection. Encourage open conversations about emotions and teach them healthy ways to cope with difficult feedback or situations.

10. Avoidance of Help

Depressed tweens may resist seeking help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. It’s crucial to create a safe space where they can express themselves without fear of ridicule. Consider professional counseling or therapy to provide them with the support they need.

Helping Your Tween Cope with Depressing Thoughts

– Be their pillar of support:

In times of emotional distress, your tween needs a reliable anchor. Be consistently present, reassuring them that you’re there for them no matter what. This means actively participating in their daily life, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where they feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings.

– Offer an empathetic ear:

Listening is a powerful tool in helping your tween cope with depressing thoughts. Practice active listening – give them your full attention, make eye contact, and refrain from interrupting. Allow them to express themselves without feeling rushed or judged. By offering an empathetic ear, you’re not just hearing their words, you’re understanding the emotions behind them. This connection creates trust and will open the door for deeper conversations about their struggles in the future.

– Validate their feelings without judgment:

Validating your tween’s feelings is crucial for their emotional well-being. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, lonely, anxious, or whatever it is they’re feeling. Avoid dismissing or minimizing their emotions. Instead, acknowledge and accept their feelings as valid, reminding them that everyone experiences a range of emotions. This validation helps your tween feel understood, reducing the feeling of isolation that often comes along with depressive thoughts.

– Engage in activities together:

Shared activities can be a powerful way to strengthen your bond and provide a positive outlet for your tween’s emotions. Cooking together can be a rewarding and creative experience. Painting allows for self-expression, providing a visual outlet for their feelings. Going for a walk not only promotes physical well-being but also provides a relaxed environment conducive to conversation.

– Have them practice mindfulness techniques:

Mindfulness techniques are valuable tools for managing depressive thoughts. Teach your tween deep breathing exercises to help them stay grounded in the present moment. Meditation, even if for a few minutes each day, encourages relaxation and mental clarity. These practices cultivate self-awareness, empowering your tween to navigate their thoughts and emotions more effectively. Introducing mindfulness techniques early on equips them with lifelong coping skills.

Remember, every tween’s journey through depression is unique, so patience and understanding is really important. As a parent or caregiver, your support can make all the difference in helping your child navigate through their tough times and make them stronger and more resilient.

Encourage them to talk about what they’re going through and remind them that it’s okay to seek help when they need it. And also, emphasize the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet in boosting mood and overall well-being

If you found this article helpful share it with your mommy friends or family. And as always, feel free to leave any comments on how you’re learning to handle your child’s emotions.