BestSelf Behavioral Health 

Phone:  716.884.0888

Child & Family Services

 Phone: 716.842.2750

Gateway-Longview Behavioral Health Clinic 

Phone: 716.783.3100

Endeavor Health Services 

Phone:  716.895.6700

Spectrum Health & Human Services

Phone: 716.662.2040

Jewish Family Services 

Phone: 716.883.1914

Catholic Charities 

Phone:  716.856.4494

Kaleida Health Children's Psychiatry Center

Phone: 716.859.5460

Kids Escaping Drugs

Phone: 716.827.9462

Spectrum CARES

716.882.HELP (4357)  Emergency outreach for children up to age 17

Kids Helpline 

716.834.1144 or 1.877.KIDS  Confidential kids’ crisis line

Crisis Services

716.834.3131 Emergency outreach for individuals age 18+

Crisis Text Line      

Text “MHA” to 741741

CPEP at ECMC - 716.898.3465  Emergency psychiatric evaluation

Central Referral 211

Is my teen depressed?

While occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected during the teenage years, depression is something different. The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Depression can destroy the essence of your teen’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers can be indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:

• Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.

• Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.

• Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse.

• Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.

• Smartphone addiction. Teens may go online to escape their problems, but excessive smartphone and Internet use only increases their isolation, making them more depressed.

• Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, binge drinking, and unsafe sex.

• Violence. Some depressed teens—usually boys who are the victims of bullying—can become aggressive and violent.

• Signs and symptoms of depression in teens.

  Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the help they need. But that isn’t always easy. For one, teens with depression don’t necessarily appear sad. Instead, irritability, anger, and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms.

  • Sadness or hopelessness

  • Irritability, anger, or hostility

  • Tearfulness or frequent crying

  • Withdrawal from friends and family

  • Loss of interest in activities

  • Poor school performance

  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits

  • Restlessness and agitation

  • Feelings of worthlessness and guilt

  • Lack of enthusiasm and motivation

  • Fatigue or lack of energy

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Unexplained aches and pains

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

   

  From the HelpGuide - "Parent's Guide to Teen Depression"

   

  "Parenting a Depressed Teenager" - Child Mind Institute