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Teenage boys face a silent battle with depression and anxiety, often overlooked, with the focus being more on the mental health struggles of girls. 

In a report, experts talked about this issue, with the CDC's Kathleen Ethier emphasizing the need to acknowledge the challenges boys face, which may differ from traditional signs of depression seen in girls.

In a recent study, researchers highlighted that while antidepressant prescriptions surged for girls and young women, they sharply declined for boys during the pandemic. Dr. Kao-Ping Chua suggests this might reflect a failure to engage with healthcare rather than improved mental health.

Signs of depression in teenage boys

Depression manifests differently in boys, often with irritability and aggression rather than sadness. After recognizing irritability as a symptom of depression in a study from 2013, the rate of depression equalized between males and females. Dr. Mai Uchida notes how this non-conforming presentation may lead to underdiagnosis. 

Dr. Willough Jenkins attributes part of the problem to the societal normalization of teenage angst. The pandemic worsened mental health distress among teens, especially girls, according to a CDC report in 2023.

Effect of COVID-19 lockdowns

During lockdowns, reduced interactions with teachers and coaches led to fewer referrals for mental health treatment among boys, often identified through behavioral issues in school.

Experts advise parents to allow boys to express emotions freely. Dr. Uchida calls for empathy and acknowledgment of their struggles, as listening without judgment is crucial. Online gaming serves as a valuable coping mechanism, offering social interaction without face-to-face pressure.

The mental health crisis among teenage boys demands urgent attention. Acknowledging their struggles, understanding atypical symptoms and providing supportive environments are essential steps in addressing this silent epidemic.