How to approach teen depression/low mood?

[lightalive]

My DS 14 noticeably changed and became very irritable. He says he has mood swings.
He talks to me in a kind of agitated way quite a lot.

I noticed a change in him when he went through puberty, but obviously I thought this was normal.

I think he is worried about his height, as he is very small for a year 10 and his friends are a lot taller. I want to ask the doctor about this but I don't want him to think I'm worried about it.

He has friends (girls and boys), has a sport hobby, is reasonably clever. He is sensitive and kind. However he told me he hates the summer holidays as he is so bored and nobody seems to go out and do anything. I think he felt lonely.

I looked on his phone as I was worried and he had taken a depression test, which said he was depressed. I am really worried.

I asked him if he would like to go to the doctor and would he like to go in on his own or with me. He said he would like to go in on his own. He said he wants to see a female doctor; can I request a particular doctor that I think he'd like?

Is there anything else I can do for him? Should I contact the school? Or should I get his consent to do that?

Any help from parents who have gone through this- I would be very grateful.

I think seeing the GP first is the right thing. That’s where my DD started. The GP might refer him to CAMHS for CBT or group therapy. I know some people have said it took a long time to get a CAMHS appointment and then they weren’t impressed but I had the opposite experience. Most important you are supporting him and it’s a good sign he has confided in you. 14 is a difficult age, it’s been a challenging time and summer can be very boring especially in these weird times.

Yes I think it is good that he is willing to go to the doctor. I feel sad about it though.

I am glad CAMHS was good for your DD.