The following seven touch points can be indicators of general depression anxiety in teens.   

• Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or empty

• Experiencing hopelessness or pessimism

• Struggling with irritability – I would also add exhibiting irritability.

• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless

• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that used to be enjoyable.

• Struggling with fatigue or lack of energy

• Moving and talking more slowly than usual – in general, having less energy and “zest” than they did previously.

Can a teen's primary care doctor make the diagnosis?

That depends:  some primary care physicians have had more developmental and psychiatric training and are more familiar with mental health diagnoses than others.  Sometimes primary care physicians prescribe medications to treat mental health symptoms in consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist.  

How can parents address mental health topics without overreacting?

If a parent feels a child’s safety is a concern (i.e., that there is a serious potential risk to the child or others), then there needs to be immediate action.  Other than these situations, it is best to refrain from being judgmental in favor of listening openly to what a teen has to say.  Like any of us, teens want to be heard and taken seriously, including their concerns.  

How can parents support and offer three practical solutions to combat Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety typically involves Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, which can include a social skills group if a teen is feeling as if they don’t have the tools to socialize effectively.  Parents can be supportive by making open-ended suggestions (about activities a teen might engage in), offering to bridge a teen’s concerns by making sure a good friend or other trusted adults will also be present for support and taking a teen’s concerns about being evaluated or judged negatively seriously (i.e., listening without judgment and asking the teen if they have thoughts as to what might make them feel more comfortable).