I’m struggling to know if my teen is just a negative sort of personality or if she’s depressed.
she is 18 and just finished a levels. It’s been a tough few years for her, she’s worked hard but things haven’t fallen into place for her- she hasn’t got a strong friendship group or an Idea of what she wants to do for a job and she worries so much about the future (the environment, politics and the rise of AI).
Has a place at a top uni should she get her a level grades but is really undecided about going to uni and studying as she is worried about getting a job afterwards. We’ve suggested she have a year out and do some volunteering, working and consider her options. Uni is expensive to go and not be totally committed to it.
She has social anxiety and hasn’t really ‘found her tribe’ which adds to her worries. I’m sure if she had more to occupy herself she would be better.
she has some good days when she keeps herself busy, is optimistic and a joy to be around but after a day like this she seems to slump and surround herself with negativity and appear to be quite depressed. This then levels out for a few days and we have a few ok days.
ive suggested she try and do more physical exercise as that does help. Her diet and sleep pattern is good. She talks to us about her feelings.
She has made an appointment to see the doctor later in the week.
she’s just secured a volunteering job and last week it went really well, she was buzzing about it but she’s been today and she’s decided she hates it! It doesn’t sound like it was great today (she was working alone and was bored) but it’s the negativity I find really frustrating. She’s decided everything is awful in the world, she never gets anything that works out for her and working tomorrow will be awful. This volunteering job will help her to get a paid job in a customer facing role and I’ve reminded her of this.
I’m a worrier but an optimistic person and I face life’s up and downs in quite a stoic manner, her dadI and siblings are also quite sunny, positive thinkers. We just roll with the knocks and get on with it.
anyone else had a similar teen? Anything helped to improve their outlook on life?
does it sound like depression?