The teenage years. It's one of the most difficult periods to go through as a person. And, as a parent, it's one of the more difficult phases of a child's life to try and parent.

Navigating this period is about as clear as muddy water. You don't want to say or do the wrong thing to upset them even further. You are trying to strike the balance between letting them know they can trust you while still maintaining the child-parent relationship. One of the most challenging topics to talk about with a teenager is depression.

Depression is a mental health concern that affects millions of people throughout the United States. And yes, that can include teenagers. Although it's hard to talk about, it isn't something that can be avoided. First, let's talk about the signs to watch out for if you think your teen may be depressed. Afterward, we'll give you some insight on how to actually talk with them about the topic of depression.

Symptoms of Depression In Teens

Social Isolation

It's normal for any person, adult or otherwise, to self-isolate when they are going through depression. And let's face it, teenagers aren't exactly well-known for being sociable at all times, especially when it comes to their parents or siblings.

One of the first signs of depression to pay attention to is if your normal social butterfly is now even distancing themselves from their friends. Maybe they are spending more time alone in their room or you notice they aren't making plans as frequently with their regular group of friends.

Irritability And Anger Are More Common Than Not

Random periods of being extra irritable or angry are normal when it comes to the teenage years. However, if these varying mood swings are happening more frequently and closer together, it could be a sign that your child is going through something "more."

Rapid Changes In Appetite Or Weight

If it seems as if your teenager's appearance is always changing, that's normally for good reason. Hormones are running rampant and they may be gaining more weight or losing their 'baby weight' more frequently. Neither of those things is too concerning. However, for most parents, it can be more concerning when they notice these changes happening within a few weeks time frame.

Changes in appetite or weight that are close together could be an indication that your teenager is struggling with something that is more than just their hormones at play. Especially when they are no longer interested in eating their favorite foods or sneaking into the kitchen late at night.

Other Signs To Look Out For

While all of those things come with the territory of being a teenager, there is definitely a fine line of when it could be an indicator that something more is happening with them. In addition to those signs, here are a few more to pay attention to.

• They are constantly complaining about headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension. These are tell-tale signs of depression, stress, or anxiety manifesting themselves, no matter the age of the person.

• A big change in grades or performance in their sport

• You repeatedly get the "Nothing, I'm fine," answer when asking after them, though your parental instinct says otherwise

How To Talk To Your Teen About Depression

If you feel awkward about talking to your teen about topics around mental health, know you aren't alone. You don't want to push and pry too much, but you do have a feeling that something just isn't right.

Don't ambush them with the conversation. One night if you are all in the same room, you can start the conversation off by saying that you have been noticing that things seem off with them lately. And that while you want to respect their privacy and boundaries, you want them to know they can always talk to you about whatever they are going through.

If all else fails and they don't want to talk to you, gently suggest that they can talk to a therapist privately. Teen counseling can help them feel work out their feelings in a space that feels safe and neutral to them.