Teenage years can be difficult. Our teenagers are going through many hormonal changes and might be fearful about their futures, careers, college and more. Sometimes, these hormonal changes coupled with all of the changes in life can lead to depression. Pediatric Partners of Augusta is here to help teens who are suffering with depression to get re-centered and find their happy place again.
When diagnosing depression, we use the acronym SIGECAPS, which outlines the symptoms of depression:
- Sleep Problems: Insomnia (inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep) and hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness).
- Interest Deficit: Having less interest in activities they enjoyed in the past.
- Guilt or Worthlessness: Feelings of guilt or regret about their own or someone else’s actions or feelings.
- Energy Loss or Fatigue: Feeling fatigued despite getting enough sleep.
- Concentration Difficulty: Inability to focus or difficulty making decisions.
- Appetite Changes: Appetite changes, especially to the extent of gaining or losing weight.
- Psychomotor Retardation or Agitation: Slowed or reduced speech and movements (constantly fidgeting with clothes or objects, pacing back and forth, changes in handwringing).
- Suicidal Ideation: Thoughts about death and self-harm. Any form of a suicide attempt must be taken seriously.
Everyone experiences occasional sleep problems, fatigue and feelings of guilt and sadness, but when these feelings and behaviors detract from everyday life, it’s time to seek help.
If your teenager is exhibiting symptoms of depression, we are here to help. Pediatric Partners of Augusta is dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of our teenage patients.
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.
