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Reasons for Lack of Energy in Teens

As most parents of teenagers will tell you, teenagers tend to be walking bundles of limitless energy liable to eat you out of house and home. When a teenager suddenly becomes lethargic and exhibits a lack of energy, it's cause for concern. There are several possible reasons for a teenager becoming tired and sluggish that range from medical to psychological causes.

  1. Depression

    • Depression afflicts one in eight teenagers, according to KidsHealth.org. Depression tends to affect girls more than boys, and no race, color or particular economic status is immune. While there are various symptoms of depression, lack of energy is a primary one. Depressed teenagers may have difficulty being motivated and just want to sleep all the time, although they may struggle with insomnia. As a result, grades may suffer. Depression is different than ordinary sadness, an emotion everyone feels. Depression involves chronic despair and hopelessness that can last for months or longer. There are many causes for depression, ranging from genetics to life events to family and social environment. The good news is that it can be treated. Treatments include therapy and medication or a combination of both.

    Stress

    • Stress is something we normally associate with adults, but it can be just as big a problem for teenagers. Teens face many stress-causing events on a daily basis, such as changing schools, dating, high expectations for grades, sports, over-scheduling, social awkwardness, and family dysfunction. When stress piles up, teenagers will go into distress and symptoms will begin to manifest. They can become very tired, develop ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, and have difficulty performing simple tasks. Counseling can help teenagers develop coping mechanisms to alleviate stress before it becomes a lifetime problem.

    Drugs

    • Drugs can result in loss of energy or motivation. Teens using marijuana on a regular basis will experience chronic sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and decreased reflexes. Other side effects include red, dry eyes; dry mouth; euphoria; and altered awareness. While it's clinically impossible to overdose on pot and there is no physical dependence involved, it can cause psychological dependence. Additionally, barbiturates or depressants, which are physically addicting, can cause drowsiness and slurred speech. If you believe your teenager's drug use is out of control, seek help immediately. Start with your family doctor or school psychologist.

    Mononucleosis

    • Mononucleosis, sometimes referred to as "mono" or "kissing disease," is a common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is most frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults. Its symptoms include fatigue, a general lack of energy, chills, sore throat, and loss of appetite. The disease is spread through person-to-person contact such as kissing, the most common form of transmission for teenagers. Most people are immune to the virus because they were exposed to it as children. Mono has no specific treatment. The illness passes on its own like other viral illnesses. However, there may be some treatments for specific symptoms such as fever and soar throat.

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