What Are the 7 Signs of Low Mood in Teenagers?
A young boy experiencing low mood
“I am depressed”. Those three words hit Emma like a ton of bricks. It was a quiet evening when her teenage son muttered them, almost as if he didn’t want to say them out loud. She froze for a moment, not knowing how to respond. He quickly changed the subject, and Emma didn’t push him. But from that day on, something stuck with her. She wondered if this was just teenage drama, or was there something deeper going on? Like most parents, Emma had seen her son go through ups and downs before. He was quieter, more withdrawn, he spent hours alone in his room, and the spark that usually lit up his eyes had dimmed.
As parents, it’s easy to dismiss some of these signs as just “teenage moodiness.” But, recognising the difference between low mood and the usual ups and downs of adolescence can be critical in offering support. This blog will help you understand the 7 signs of low mood in teenagers and what to watch out for, so you can take action if needed.
Understanding Low Mood
Teenagers naturally experience mood swings. It’s part of growing up, thanks to hormonal changes, social pressures, and academic stress. However, there are times when these shifts in mood may linger and seem more intense than usual. That’s when we start talking about low mood.
Low mood in teenagers isn’t just a bad day. It’s when your teenager seems down, sad, or emotionally “off” for a period of time, even though nothing major has happened. They may not be able to explain why they feel the way they do, but they seem more distant, irritable, or just not themselves. It’s not a clinical condition, but if left unchecked, it can affect your teenager’s day-to-day life.
7 Signs of Low Mood in Teenagers
Parents often wonder, “How do I know if this is something to worry about?” That’s a fair question because teenagers can be hard to read sometimes. But here are some common signs of low mood to keep an eye on:
1. Withdrawal from Family and Friends
One of the biggest signs of low mood is when your teenager starts withdrawing from people. If your usually social teen begins avoiding family dinners, skipping outings with friends, or spending excessive time alone in their room, it might be a sign that they’re feeling low. This withdrawal can look like:
Preferring to stay isolated in their bedroom for long stretches of time.
Avoiding conversations or one-word responses to your questions.
Losing interest in spending time with close friends or going out.
2. Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Activities
Maybe they’ve stopped playing their favourite sport, quit an extracurricular activity, or seem uninterested in hobbies like video games, drawing, or music. Losing interest in things they once enjoyed is a key sign of low mood. It could look like:
Refusing to attend sports practice or club meetings.
Showing disinterest in hobbies they were once passionate about.
Sitting around, bored, but not willing to engage in anything productive.
3. Irritability and Mood Swings
Teenagers can be moody, but if you notice that your teen seems more irritable than usual or is having frequent mood swings, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on. Low mood often manifests as frustration or anger, this could show up as:
Getting easily annoyed by siblings, parents, or friends.
Reacting more sharply than usual to criticism or simple requests.
Emotional outbursts, such as crying or shouting, seemingly out of nowhere.
4. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Low mood can change a teen’s sleep habits. They may start sleeping too much or struggle to get enough sleep. It’s important to pay attention to sleep changes, as sleep and mood are closely linked. Some signs to watch for include:
Sleeping more than usual, such as taking long naps during the day or staying in bed for extended periods.
Difficulty falling asleep at night, staying awake into the early hours even though they seem tired.
Constantly feeling fatigued, even after getting a full night’s sleep.
5. Appetite Changes
Changes in appetite—whether eating more or less than usual—can be a sign of low mood. Some teens might eat more out of boredom or for comfort, while others may lose their appetite completely. Here’s what that can look like:
Skipping meals or barely touching their food during meals.
Suddenly craving unhealthy comfort foods and eating more than usual.
Complaining about not feeling hungry even though they haven’t eaten much all day.
6. Lack of Energy
Feeling tired all the time can be another red flag for low mood. Even if your teen is getting enough sleep, they may still feel lethargic or unmotivated. This can show up as:
A lack of enthusiasm or energy to get through the day.
Frequently complaining about feeling tired or sluggish.
Moving slowly or showing a disinterest in physical activities, even ones they used to enjoy.
7. Frequent Crying or Emotional Sensitivity
They suddenly cry more often, especially over things that wouldn’t have bothered them before, it could be a sign that they’re struggling emotionally. You might notice:
Bursting into tears during small disagreements or when feeling overwhelmed.
Feeling more sensitive or easily hurt by comments from others.
Difficulty handling stress or disappointment, resulting in emotional outbursts.
How Parents Can Help
When Emma first noticed these signs in her son, she wasn’t sure what to do. She didn’t want to pressure him, but she also didn’t want to ignore the situation. If you’re seeing similar signs in your teenager, here are a few things you can try:
Start a gentle conversation: Instead of diving into a heavy conversation, you could start by saying something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been a little quieter than usual lately. Is everything okay?” Keep it open-ended and non-judgmental.
Be a safe space: Let your teenager know they can talk to you without fear of being judged or lectured. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen.
Encourage positive routines: Help your teen get back into a routine with things like regular sleep, healthy meals, and physical activity. Sometimes, these small changes can help improve mood.
Know when to seek help: If your teen’s low mood isn’t improving or if it seems to be getting worse, it might be time to reach out to a professional.
Recognising the signs of low mood in teenagers can be tricky, especially since teenage years are already filled with emotional ups and downs. However, remember that low mood is often temporary and your involvement as a parent can make a big difference in helping your teen feel better and preventing further emotional struggles. Keep the lines of communication open and trust your instincts—after all, you know your child best. If your teenager is struggling with anxiety and you are confused on how to manage it, then feel free to check my blog on How Can Parents Help Their Teenager Manage Anxiety?
