Talking openly and honestly with your teen is the first step. Talk in specific terms about the signs and changes you've seen in them that concern you and that point to possible depression. Discuss untreated depression and how it can negatively impact them.
Full Answer
How to talk to your teen about their depression?
Communication 1 Talk in specific terms about the signs and changes you've seen in them that concern you and that point to possible depression. 2 Discuss how having untreated depression can negatively impact them. 3 Make a compassionate deal. ... 4 Attempt to empathize with the pain your teen is feeling. ...
Can a depressed teenager be helped by a therapist?
Certainly, a depressed teenager doesn’t need any further stress. During treatment, parents, as well as anyone in a relationship with a depressed teenager, could ask themselves how they should talk with them. A problem that might appear is convincing depressed teenagers to follow the treatment prescribed by their therapist.
How do people make things worse for depressed teenagers?
In this way, the depressed teenagers will see their parents becoming less worried and more confident, and they will therefore be encouraged to follow their own treatment. Well-intentioned people can make things worse for a depressed teenager. Let’s consider a worried parent. For example, a worried mother.
Should we spare our teenagers from depression?
We have to spare them, at least when they are depressed. If we, the adults, realize that we are suffering depressive thoughts just as our teenagers are, we should follow a treatment intended to change our way of thinking. Maybe even the same prescribed for our teenagers, or something similar.
What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
What to do if a child resists therapy?
How to help a teenager with family time?
How to deal with two parents at once?
How to help someone with depression?
How do you know if your child is depressed?
Is depression a free pass?
See more
About this website
What do you say to a depressed teenager?
Offer compassion and validation instead:“I can see how you feel overwhelmed by those thoughts.”“That sounds painful, but you're not alone. I'm here to support you.”“I imagine feeling sad all the time must make you feel exhausted. You're going through so much.”
When treating depression in teenagers the most effective way is?
A combination of talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication can be very effective for most teens with depression. If your teen has severe depression or is in danger of self-harm, he or she may need a hospital stay or may need to participate in an outpatient treatment program until symptoms improve.
How do you help a teenager with mental illness?
Four things you can do to support your teen's mental healthEncourage them to share their feelings. Look for ways to check in with your teen. ... Take the time to support them. Work together on setting up new routines and achievable daily goals. ... Work through conflict together. ... Care for yourself.
How do you talk to a depressed person?
be patient and understanding.offer encouragement and acknowledge gains, no matter how small.ask if there is anything you can do to help, instead of asking what's wrong.acknowledge that the mental health condition isn't their fault.speak clearly and at a pace that they understand.More items...
What is the leading cause of depression in teenage?
Risk factors Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teen depression, including: Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems. Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.
What is the science behind teenage depression?
Research suggests that depression doesn't spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.
How do I help my teenager who doesn't want help?
Encourage them to list their symptoms, when they occur and how they feel about them. Think of this as a way to help them open up and be more comfortable with getting support. Offer to go with them to the appointment, but be respectful of how they want to manage their own health.
How do you start a conversation with mental illness?
Start with an expression of care, followed by an observation. "I care about you and I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you've been in a while, and I'm wondering how you're doing.” Normalize mental health by talking about it directly.
How do you talk to a teenager about mental illness?
Here are 5 tips for having a productive conversation about mental health or substance use with teens:Be genuine. ... Be careful about using slang. ... Allow for silence. ... Switch up the setting. ... Don't trivialize their feelings.
What do you say to someone who is struggling emotionally?
10 Things to Say to Someone with Depression“Do you want some space?” ... “I'm here for you” ... “I love you” ... “Take as long as you need” ... “You don't need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable” ... “Everything is going to be OK” ... “I don't think you're crazy” ... “You're a good person”More items...
What to say to someone who is struggling?
It also covers statements that someone who is depressed might find helpful to hear.Tell Them You Care. ... Remind Them You're There for Them. ... Ask How You Can Help. ... Urge Them to Talk With a Doctor. ... Ask Them If They Want to Talk. ... Remind Them That They Matter. ... Tell Them You Understand (If You Really Do)More items...•
What do you say to comfort someone?
So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you're seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you're having such a hard time with this,” or “I'm sorry you're hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words.
10 Things to do When You Have a Depressed Teen
5. Monitor their symptoms. There are specific symptoms you can monitor in your teen and they include sleep patterns, eating patterns, feelings of guilt, loss of interest in things they were normally interested in, energy levels, difficulty concentrating, feelings of irritation/agitation, self-reported feelings of depression and suicidal ideation/attempts.
10 Signs Your Teenager Is Depressed - Psych Central
Depression is a different matter. It is not just plain moodiness. Instead, it is a mood disorder — a serious mental health condition that can sometimes even lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Anxiety and Depression in 18-24 Year Olds: How to Offer Support
Research by Oxford University found that one-third of young adults suffer from depression because they were bullied as children and teenagers. The research suggests that even if the bullying occurred years ago, the impact lingers throughout the late teens and young adult years.
5 Ways to Help Yourself Through Depression (for Teens) - KidsHealth
If you are going through depression, it's best to get help from a therapist. To get the most from your therapy, you can do things to help yourself, too. Here are five things you can do to feel better. They may seem simple, but they can help a lot. It's OK to air your thoughts and feelings with ...
Child Depression Ages 6-12 | Signs of Depression in Children | The ...
These are common signs of depression in children age 0-6. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help. Contact us for help.
Why is it important to suspend a depressed teenager's habit?
If the parents of a depressed teenager are used to judging, correcting and moulding their children, it’s very important that they suspend this habit because a depressed teenager needs acceptance much more than judgments.
Why is the archetype of the Great Mother important for a good treatment?
Why the archetype of the Great Mother is important for a good treatment is an article about the archetype of the Great Mother, the psychological force that drives the healing of depression. You can read the story of Mysha and Denise and may find it inspiring when talking with depressed teenagers.
What is the psychological burden of depression?
One more heavy psychological burden depressed teenagers have to bear is the one of judgment. Many parents think that it’s their duty to judge and correct their children, and to mould their characters. They teach their children which feeling is the right one to have.
What to say to a girl who is worse off than you?
Go and have fun!”. “After all, there are a lot of people who are worse off than you.”. “Don’t keep pitying yourself. You have to react!”. “It’s all fantasy.”. “You have to grow up, don’t play the victim.”. “You do not lack anything to be happy.”. “After all you aren’t so sick, you look well.”. “It’s only some stress.
Is it dangerous to punish a depressed teenager?
With depressed teenagers, this tactic is even more dangerous. Punishing and rewarding, we implicitly transmit the message that our teenager doesn’t deserve to be trusted, but has, instead, to be controlled, punishments and rewards being the means of control. Depressed teenagers don’t need such a depressive thought.
Can a depressed teenager be socially active?
However, depressed teenagers shouldn’t be encouraged to be socially active because they could find it stressful. Certainly, a depressed teenager doesn’t need any further stress. During treatment, parents, as well as anyone in a relationship with a depressed teenager, could ask themselves how they should talk with them.
Is fear a part of depression?
For example, a worried mother. There may be very worried mothers and mildly worried ones. There are also the sunny, ever-smiling, never-worried ones. Unfortunately, fear is the main ingredient of depression. Nothing worse for a depressed teenager than to have worried people around.
What is Beyond the Blues?
One of my favorite workbooks to use with teens and depression is called Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression (Teen Instant Help).
How do you know if you have a teen?
There are specific symptoms you can monitor in your teen and they include sleep patterns, eating patterns, feelings of guilt, loss of interest in things they were normally interested in, energy levels, difficulty concentrating, feelings of irritation/agitation, self-reported feelings of depression and suicidal ideation/attempts.
Why do teens want to lay in bed?
When people feel depressed, it is common for teens to want to lay in bed and isolate. It is important to honor your teen’s request to take it easy; however if you have noticed your teen’s symptoms have worsened over the week, it might be a good idea to get them to go out to dinner with your family. As for school, it is important your teenager ...
Why is it important to talk to your teenager about depression?
It’s important to talk to your teenager about their depression and how they feel. They may not open up to you about it but it’s key to let them know you are there for them to talk about whatever is going on in their lives , not just their depression.
What to do if you have depressive feelings?
One of my main recommendations for anyone coming in with depressive feelings is to get a physical by your doctor. It is important to rule-out any physical causes for depression, such as low Vitamin D. A complete physical with blood work is a good place to start.
Do teens want to be depressed?
It’s a guarantee that your teen does not want to feel depressed. They are probably not doing it for attention. They just need to know you love them and that you are there for them. Keep the lines of communication open and love them just the way they are, depressed or not.
Can depression be hard on teens?
If you’ve never experienced depression for yourself, it might be hard for you to put yourself in your teen’s shoes. You may look at them and think how lucky they are to have opportunities you never had. Depression is not about whether they have the latest shoes or the privileges they are afforded in life.
How do you know if you are depressed?
However depression affects you, though, there are some common symptoms that you may experience: You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry. Nothing seems fun anymore—even the activities you used to love—and you just don’t see the point of forcing yourself to do them.
How to get rid of depression in the long run?
Avoid alcohol and drugs. You may be tempted to drink or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a “mood boost,” even if just for a short time. However, as well as causing depression in the first place, substance use will only make depression worse in the long run.
How does depression feel?
For some teens, depression is characterized by feelings of bleakness and despair. For others, it’s a persistent anger or agitation, or simply an overwhelming sense of “emptiness.” However depression affects you, though, there are some common symptoms that you may experience:
What are the risk factors for depression in teens?
Risk factors that can trigger or exacerbate depression in teens include: Serious illness, chronic pain, or physical disability. Having other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, an eating disorder, learning disorder, or ADHD. Alcohol or drug abuse.
What to do if you don't have anyone to talk to?
If you truly don’t have anyone you can talk to, there are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help. No matter what, talk to someone, especially if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others.
How to help a friend who is going through depression?
But your friend is going through a very difficult time, so try not to take it personally. Once your friend gets help, they will go back to being the person you know and love .
What is a teen's depression?
Teen depression is much more than feeling temporarily sad or down in the dumps. It’s a serious and debilitating mood disorder that can change the way you think, feel, and function in your daily life, causing problems at home, school, and in your social life.
How does depression affect teens?
4 Supporting a teen by checking in regularly, inviting them to participate in social events, or just helping them with day-to-day tasks can be a way of showing that you care.
How to deal with a teenager who is depressed?
Communication. Talking openly and honestly with your teen is the first step. Talk in specific terms about the signs and changes you've seen in them that concern you and that point to possible depression. Discuss untreated depression and how it can negatively impact them. Make a compassionate deal.
Why do teens not share what they are feeling?
1 They may not share what they are feeling due to shame or fear that close family members will not understand.
How to help someone with depression?
Acknowledge that getting help takes courage. Reward them for any steps they take to deal with their depression. Unfortunately, research has shown that only about one-third of U.S. adolescents with depression seek treatment. 2 .
Who is Kathyrn Rudlin?
Kathyrn Rudlin, LCSW, a writer and therapist in California specializes in counseling and education for teenagers with mothers who are emotionally disconnected. Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.
How to help a depressed teenager?
Helping a depressed teen tip 1: Encourage social connection. Depressed teens tend to withdraw from their friends and the activities they used to enjoy. But isolation only makes depression worse, so do what you can to help your teen reconnect. Make face time a priority.
Why do teens act out?
The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain: Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.
What is teen depression?
Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury. While depression can cause tremendous pain for your teen—and disrupt everyday family life—there are plenty of things you can do to help your child start to feel better. The first step is to learn what teen depression looks ...
Why do teens use drugs?
Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse. Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness. Smartphone addiction.
How to get your teen to be a good teen?
Participate in activities that involve other families and give your child an opportunity to meet and connect with other kids. Get your teen involved. Suggest activities—such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art, dance, or music class—that take advantage of your teen’s interests and talents.
How many teenagers are depressed?
The teen years can be extremely tough and depression affects teenagers far more often than many of us realize. In fact, it’s estimated that one in five adolescents from all walks of life will suffer from depression at some point during their teen years.
What does depression do to teens?
Depression can destroy the essence of your teen’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers can be indications of depression.
What to do if your teen is depressed?
If you suspect that your teen is depressed, it is important to see a doctor about your concerns. Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose teen depression. 2
Why is it so hard for parents to recognize depression?
Because teen depression can have so many causes and because mood shifts can be so common in teens, it can make it difficult for parents to recognize the signs and for doctors to make a diagnosis. For parents, this means you should note all depression symptoms, be aware of your teen's moods, and always discuss any signs with your teen's doctor. 8 . ...
How to make a teenager feel better?
Lifestyle modifications such as establishing a good sleep schedule, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can help kids feel better. 22
How to treat depression in teens?
Teen depression is treatable with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. 3 Your mental health professional will help you and your teen decide on an individual treatment plan. Teens who are suicidal may need to be hospitalized.
What are the consequences of untreated depression?
Untreated depression can lead to other serious problems, such as substance use, behavior problems, and medical issues. 9 It is important to have your teen evaluated by a doctor in order to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How to help a teenager with depression?
How You Can Help. If your teen is diagnosed with depression, there are ways you can be supportive. Educate yourself about depression so you can have a better idea of what your teen is going through. Be available to listen and encourage your teen to talk to you about anything that might be bothering them. 15 .
What is the best treatment for depression in teens?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two approaches that are often used to treat depression in teens. 21 CBT focuses on addressing the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Teens learn to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive, helpful ones.
What is the ADAA?
The ADAA (Anxiety, & Depression Association of America) defines a panic attack as the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms: Sweating.
What to do if you know a teenager with mental illness?
if you know a teen who is struggling with mental illness please give them a hug and tell them you are there for them. If they do not know you well enough to come to you, help them find an adult they can trust. Follow through with the adult to make sure they understand the proper care that they need to put forth toward them.
Why do people need adults?
They need an adult to listen and understand them right where they are at. They don’t understand what is going through there brains and they need someone to help them understand it is not their fault for what they are struggling with. Just like you and me, they need someone to constantly tell them that you are there for them, that they are needed, ...
What does it mean to be individual but feel torn between individuality and just wanting to fit in?
Wanting to be individual but feeling torn between individuality and just wanting to fit in. As they realize they are anxious in certain situations they feel out of control they deeply want to be able to feel normal but at the same time, they want to escape and not be noticed or seen by anyone around them.
What does it mean when you feel lonely?
loneliness, a feeling or reality that they do not have many friends, a desire to succeed but feeling helpless in being able to make their desires a reality. Feeling that they are weird or different than everyone else that surrounds them.
Can panic attacks lead to depression?
These panic attacks or overwhelming feelings of anxiety have been shown to lead to depression or go hand in hand with it. Therefore if not properly taken care of promptly and thoroughly it can lead to a tragic ending.
Is it normal to have feelings of inadequacy?
Those feelings of inadequacy are totally normal, however, we can push through those thoughts and reach out of our normal comfort zone and help a teen feel loved and needed. You never know when you can be the one to save their life. So the best thing to say and do to a teen who is suffering with depression and/or anxiety is.
What is an IOP/PHP?
Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs (IOP/PHP), or 24/7 residential treatment centers (RTC), are more intensive options than just regular once-a-week therapy. Also, inform your teen that certain therapy modalities are actually evidence-based. Meaning, science shows that they really do work for teens ...
Why do teens need mental health?
Your teen needs mental health treatment for a certain emotional, behavioral, or substance abuse problem. It could be depression, anxiety, trauma, ODD, DMDD, ADHD, prodromal psychosis, addiction, substance use, or any other mental health issue. The problem is, your teen does not want to go to treatment. Your teen could have a number of reasons why ...
Why don't teens want to go to therapy?
The problem is, your teen does not want to go to treatment. Your teen could have a number of reasons why they don’t want to get mental health treatment. They could say they don’t need the help. Or that therapy won’t help anyway. Whatever it is, they are either refusing to go, or are physically going but not engaging with ...
What does it mean when a teenager says "I don't need mental health treatment"?
1. “I don’t need mental health/substance abuse treatment.”. Many teens will downplay their mental health symptoms, or simply deny that they are struggling. When this happens, don’t immediately argue with them.
Why do people go to therapy?
Additionally, note that many successful professionals and individuals around the world seek therapy, even if they don’t have a diagnosable mental health or substance abuse disorder! These people go to therapy to help them make decisions in their life or to help them solve problems.
Is therapy a waste of money?
4. “Therapy is a waste of time and money. Therapists don’t even care about you.”. Many teens will say therapy is a waste of money, especially when they know how much it costs. “If my therapist really cared about me, they wouldn’t be so nitpicky about the time,” is also a common complaint.
Can a teenager with depression go to therapy?
If your teen does realize they might have a mental health or substance abuse problem but doesn’t think therapy will help, which is often the case for teens with depression, there are a few ways you can approach this. First, you can ask them how they know it won’t help if they’ve never tried it. Or, even if they’ve tried therapy in ...
What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
Depression symptoms in teenagers often include: unusual irritability. angry outbursts. fatigue, lack of energy, and lethargy. aches, pains, or stomach issues.
What to do if a child resists therapy?
If they resist the idea of therapy at first, talking to a school counselor, family pediatrician, or favorite teacher can help them get more comfortable with the idea. They might be more willing to consider therapy when other trusted adults encourage them to reach out.
How to help a teenager with family time?
As an added bonus, new habits can increase family time, helping your teen feel more connected and supported. Take a family walk after dinner. Designate the last hour or two before bedtime as device-free time. Instead, play a boardgame, work on a puzzle, or listen to an audiobook together.
How to deal with two parents at once?
1. Ask (and keep asking) Start by finding a quiet, private time to have a conversation. It may help to approach the subject with just one parent, since facing two parents at once might overwhelm your child or create an atmosphere of confrontation.
How to help someone with depression?
It’s also worth encouraging them to try a new activity or hobby, like guitar lessons, art classes, or a sport. Volunteering and other acts of kindness, like helping out neighbors, may also help ease feelings of depression.
How do you know if your child is depressed?
dropping grades or disinterest in school. negative or critical self-talk. talk about death, dying, or suicide. If you’ve noticed these signs on most days for more than a week or two, your child could have depression.
Is depression a free pass?
Depression isn’t a “free pass” for misbehavior, but it’s important to separate the effects of depression from actual wrongdoing. Taking away their phone, or main method of interacting with friends, might actually make things worse.