My Mood Has Been Going Back and Forth Over the Past Year

Published: January 11, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
For the past year, I've been going back and forth. One week I'm fine and happy then the next I don't even want to get out of bed. Is this something I should seriously worry about?
Signed: My Mood Has Been Going Back and Forth Over the Past Year

Dear My Mood Has Been Going Back and Forth Over the Past Year,

TeenHealthFX would not necessarily phrase it that this is something you should “seriously worry about,” but we do think it something you should check in with a trusted adult about. Given that it has been a full year that you have been going back and forth with your mood, it would be helpful to speak to a medical and/or mental health professional about it so a professional can determine whether or not you might be dealing with depression.

The rate of depression among teens is on the rise, but the amount of treatment teens are receiving for depression is not. Which means many teens are being under-treated or not treated at all for symptoms of depression. Part of the reason is that many people are not fully educated about the signs and symptoms associated with depression.

Sign and symptoms of depression in teens can include:

  • irritability and anger
  • sadness and hopelessness
  • withdrawing from friends and family
  • fatigue
  • lack of motivation
  • reduced interest in activities
  • changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • poor school performance
  • thoughts of death or suicide
  • physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt

 

You can start by talking to a parent/guardian about how you have been feeling. And then you can check in with a school counselor or your family doctor about it. Your school counselor or family doctor can get a better idea of the specific symptoms you have been experiencing and possible causes, and can determine whether or not you may be dealing with depression or some other emotional health issue where mental health treatment with a therapist would be beneficial. Your school counselor or doctor can also help you to find a reputable therapist in the area if needed.  

TeenHealthFX cannot know for sure what is going on without being able to meet with you. But given you have been experiencing this for a year, it is definitely worth checking out.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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