Teen Rebellion: Is It Depression or Just Growing Pains?

Q: Teen Rebellion: Is It Depression or Just Growing Pains?

Hello： Stressful events experienced in early life can have significant impacts later on. <br>Your description indicates that you have been feeling inexplicably low since the third grade, with a diminished sense of self-worth. <br>In middle school, your feelings of sadness and dep

Rebellion phase, depression, or major depressive disorder?

Hello, doctor: (I'm not sure how to express this, so it might come across as a bit disorganized.) From grades 1 to 6, I experienced verbal and social bullying, and for various reasons, I developed a strong aversion to school in the 3rd grade, leading me to feign illness.
Eventually, I could no longer pretend, and one day at school, I suddenly felt the urge to jump from the third floor.
Fortunately, the school bell brought me back to reality, and nothing happened.
However, after that incident, feelings of sadness emerged, although they were not as severe as the urge to jump.
I’m not sure if it’s because I have low stress tolerance, but around 5th grade, when I encountered problems I couldn't solve, I would cry if I couldn't figure them out after thinking about them.
It wasn't a loud cry, but rather a sudden emotional pain that brought tears to my eyes, which I hadn’t experienced before.
I also find myself crying easily over small matters; I know some things aren’t worth crying over, yet the tears keep flowing.

When I entered junior high, for reasons I can't explain, my already sad feelings intensified to the point where I wanted to die.
I decided to stay up late to harm my body, sleeping only 2-3 hours a night, yet I could still stay up very late.
By the time I reached 8th grade, I stopped sleeping so little, but I don’t know if I genuinely damaged my body or what, as I now feel tired every day.
Even after getting a full 8 hours of sleep, I still feel exhausted.
My temper has also worsened since starting junior high; I don’t know if it’s due to hitting my rebellious phase, but I increasingly dislike noisy environments.
I sometimes want to hit those who annoy me, but I don’t express it or take any action.

Now, I dislike going out and would rather stay in bed, sometimes feeling too lazy to even engage with my favorite phone or books.
I also hate socializing, which is completely different from my previous self.
Even when I was lazy, I would still go out for walks and chat with a few specific friends.
If they ignored me, I would feel sad, but for some reason, I now wish they wouldn’t come looking for me.
My feelings of sadness have persisted for a long time, but they are not as extreme as before.
However, I still have thoughts of wanting to die, feeling like there’s nothing worth holding onto, and experiencing a sense of helplessness from deep within.
I often think that since I’m not useful, why not just end it all or leave.

So, I want to ask: is this just a typical rebellious phase, or could it be depressive emotions or depression? If it is indeed depression, should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist? If I do need to see someone, must I inform my parents? I’m not very keen on letting them know.
I previously mentioned wanting to see a psychiatrist, but later I refused.
My family has started to show concern for me; I know they want to understand, but I find it bothersome and would prefer to be alone, so I don’t want them to know.

Bai Yuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/06

Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Stressful events experienced in early life can have significant impacts later on.
Your description indicates that you have been feeling inexplicably low since the third grade, with a diminished sense of self-worth.
In middle school, your feelings of sadness and depression worsened, and you often felt easily fatigued, irritable, disinterested in activities, averse to socializing, unable to cope with daily tasks, and even experienced thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
These symptoms are highly indicative of depression.
It is recommended that you visit a child and adolescent psychiatrist with your parents for a proper diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

Reply Date: 2021/10/06

More Info

Understanding the distinction between typical teenage rebellion and clinical depression is crucial, especially for adolescents experiencing emotional turmoil. Your experiences, as you've described, suggest that you may be grappling with more than just the typical ups and downs of growing up.
Adolescence is a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally. It is common for teenagers to experience mood swings, irritability, and a desire for independence, which can sometimes manifest as rebellion against authority figures or social norms. However, when these feelings are accompanied by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy, it may indicate a deeper issue, such as depression.

From your account, it appears that your emotional struggles have been ongoing and have intensified over time. The feelings of sadness, fatigue, and disinterest in activities you once enjoyed are significant red flags. The fact that you have had thoughts of self-harm and have contemplated suicide is particularly concerning. These thoughts are not typical of adolescent rebellion; they suggest a serious mental health issue that requires attention.

Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterized by a range of symptoms that can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. It is essential to recognize that depression is not simply a sign of weakness or low resilience; it is a medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Given your history of bullying, emotional distress, and the current state of your mental health, it would be advisable to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide a proper assessment and determine whether you are experiencing depression or another mental health issue. They can also help you develop coping strategies and provide support tailored to your needs.

You mentioned concerns about discussing your feelings with your parents. It's understandable to feel apprehensive about sharing your struggles, especially if you believe they may not fully understand or support you. However, involving a trusted adult in your journey toward recovery can be beneficial. If you feel comfortable, consider speaking to a school counselor or a trusted teacher who can help you navigate the process of seeking help without necessarily involving your parents initially.

If you decide to seek help, you can approach your parents by expressing that you are feeling overwhelmed and that you believe talking to someone could help. You might say something like, "I've been feeling really down lately, and I think it would be good for me to talk to someone who can help." This way, you frame it as a proactive step for your well-being rather than a sign of weakness.

In conclusion, while some aspects of your experience may align with typical teenage behavior, the depth of your feelings and the thoughts you've expressed indicate that you may be dealing with depression. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a critical step toward understanding and addressing your feelings. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are people who can and want to help you. Your mental health is important, and taking the step to seek help is a sign of strength.

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