If your child is between ages 12 and 18 years, ask the doctor about screening (testing) for depression — even if you don’t see signs of a problem.

Why do I need to get my teen screened for depression?

Depression can be serious, and many teens with depression don’t get the help they need.

The good news is that depression can be treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. When you ask your child's doctor about screening for depression, find out what services are available in case your teen needs follow-up care.

Depression is an illness that involves the brain. It can affect your thoughts, mood, and daily activities — and make you feel sad or down. But depression is more than feeling sad for a few days.

Teen depression can be a serious mental illness. If your child is depressed, they may:

• Feel sad or irritable (easily upset) most of the time 
• Lose interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Have aches and pains for no clear reason
• Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
• Sleep too much or be unable to sleep
• Eat more or less than usual
• Use drugs or alcohol
• Talk about death or suicide — or give away items that are important to them

It’s normal for teens to have mood swings — but if they have several of these symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks, it could be depression. But it can be hard to tell if your child is feeling down or if they’re depressed. That’s why it’s so important for all teens to be screened for depression.

And keep in mind that teen girls and teen boys often show different signs of depression. Girls may be more likely to feel sad or hopeless, while boys may be more likely to be irritable or to use drugs or alcohol.

Learn more about depression in teens by checking out:

• Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know
• Helping Your Teen with Depression

What causes depression?

Depression can happen to anyone. It’s not your fault or your teen’s fault. Some experiences may make it more likely that a teen will develop depression, like:

• Dealing with a stressful life situation, like a serious illness or a death in the family
• Living with someone who's depressed
• Experiencing trauma or abuse
• Having another mental health problem, like anxiety or an eating disorder
• Having problems at school, like being bullied by other students
• Having a family history of depression

Because of stigma and discrimination, teens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) are more likely to develop depression. But support from parents, caregivers, and friends can help them thrive. Learn more about supporting LGBTQ teens. 

What happens during a depression screening?

The doctor will ask your teen questions about their feelings and behaviors. This may include asking how often your teen:

• Feels hopeless or sad
• Has low energy or feels tired during the day
• Has trouble sleeping — or sleeps more or less than usual
• Eats more or less than usual
• Has trouble paying attention at school
• Thinks about wanting to hurt themselves in some way

Screening for depression usually takes about 5 minutes. It can be part of your teen’s yearly checkup.

What if the doctor finds signs of depression?

If your child is showing signs of depression, the doctor will:

• Refer your teen to a therapist or doctor with special training in helping young people with emotional or behavioral problems
• Talk about medicines and other treatments — like talk therapy — that can help your teen manage their depression
• Order tests to check for other health problems

Make sure to include your teen when you make any decisions about treatment.

Take steps to protect your teen’s mental health.

Talk to your teen’s doctor about depression screening.

Ask the doctor to screen your child for depression. If you’re worried about your teen, be sure to let the doctor know. Find out what services are available in case your teen needs treatment.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover depression screening for teens. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your teen may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn more about coverage options for your family.

If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost depression screening. Find a health center near you and ask about depression screening.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act
• Free preventive care for kids covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you  
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Write down any concerns you have.

Keep track of your teen’s actions and words that make you think they might be depressed. If you see a change in your child’s behavior, make a note about the change and when it happened. Include details like:

• How long the behavior's been going on
• How often the behavior happens
• How serious you think it is

Share these notes with your teen’s doctor. You can also use them to start a conversation with your child.

Watch for signs that your teen may be thinking about suicide.

Most people who are depressed don’t attempt suicide, but depression can increase the risk of suicide and suicide attempts. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for kids and teens ages 10 to 19 years.

These behaviors may be signs that your teen is thinking about suicide:

• Talking about wanting to kill or hurt themselves
• Taking risks, like driving recklessly
• Spending less time with friends and family
• Talking about not being around in the future or “going away”
• Giving away prized possessions
• Using more alcohol or drugs
• Talking about feeling hopeless or very angry

If your child is showing some or all of these warning signs, get help right away. Call or text 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website to connect with trained crisis counselors. 

If you think your child may be in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the emergency room.

Find resources for your teen.

If your child isn’t ready to talk to you about their feelings, there are still things you can do. Help your teen find resources online and in the community.

Share these resources with your teen:

• Depression: What You Need to Know
• Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness
• For Young People Looking for Help
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Youth
• The Trevor Project: Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Youth

Let your child know that they can get support anonymously (without giving their name) by:

• Texting the Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
• Chatting online with someone from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

Make a list with your teen of other people they can go to with problems or questions — like a teacher, guidance counselor, or another trusted adult. Remind your teen that you're always there if they want to talk.