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Finding the Best Depression Treatment

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The Do's and Don'ts of Helping a Teen With Depression

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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If you have a teen, you know the emotional ups and downs that come with this stage of life. But it can be hard to know when your teen is experiencing the occasional “blues” or “feeling down” and when she is suffering from something more serious that needs immediate treatment.

Clinical depression is a real disorder that affects as many as one in five teens, and it can be difficult to watch your child suffer. But you  can help by learning the warning signs and knowing when and how to take action.

Causes of Teen Depression

A number of factors can cause depression in teens, and it can show up in many forms. A child may experience major depression only once, or it may be a persistent depressive disorder, including bipolar disorder (or manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Factors that can lead to depression include:

  • Family history
  • Certain brain chemicals (too much or too little)
  • Difficult life events (such as a death or divorce)
  • Negative thought patterns
  • Medication side effects
  • Peer pressure

What’s more, today’s teens are faced with additional pressures that were not a part of teenage living for their parents. Navigating social media circles, cyber bullying and increasingly unrealistic expectations from the media to look and act a certain way all play a role in a teen’s self-worth, and can often lead to deep disappointment. 

Signs of Depression

Let’s face it, teens are moody. Recognizing the signs of depression can be difficult. Did she have a spat with a friend? Is he just stressed out? It can be frustrating trying to navigate the varying moods of your emotional teen.

The following are signs your child may be suffering from depression. These changes are not subtle. The abrupt nature (and intensity) of change is a valuable warning sign. If you find that any of these last for  more than two weeks, or if your teen’s moods disrupt his ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a more serious disorder.

  • Withdrawal from friends and disparaging activities they truly love
  • Sadness and hopelessness
  • Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
  • Dramatic change in personality or appearance 
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Overreaction to criticism
  • Poor self-esteem or guilt
  • Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
  • Poor performance in school
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Anger and rage
  • Substance abuse
  • Problems with authority

What You Can Do (and Not Do)

Many teens with depression won’t readily admit a problem. They may feel as if “life is unfair” and even lose hope that things will ever turn around, but they may not know how to express their feelings or ask for help. There are some effective steps you can take to help your child.

DO:

  • Listen without comment.
  • Remind teens they are loved and appreciated.
  • Set aside time each day to talk. Let your teen know that you are open and available, without judgment, if she needs anything. Ask open-ended questions to create space for dialog
  • Schedule family time. Eat meals together and organize fun family activities.
  • Genuinely praise your teen for specific behaviors and accomplishments to help boost his confidence.
  • Help your child foster relationships. Encourage her to schedule time with friends who play a positive role in her life, and to find some new friends, as well. Healthy relationships are key to a teen’s self-esteem.   
  • Make time for your child’s interests or community service projects. Helping others can foster gratitude and make one’s own problems seem smaller.
  • Encourage good eating, sleeping and exercise habits, which can improve overall mood. Encourage team-sporting activities for the health benefits and social network.
  • Talk to a trusted professional about how best to approach your teen and get the help he needs. A doctor may prescribe individual, group or family counseling, and/or medications to help your child begin feeling better.

DON’T:

  • Force communication, lecture or try to “fix the problem.” Sometimes just being in the same room doing separate activities can be helpful.
  • Respond to aggression with aggression. Try to maintain a caring attitude and remain as calm as you can. Leave the room if you need a breather.
  • Ignore the warning signs. If you notice any of the following signs, don’t try to manage on your own. Trust your instincts, and get professional treatment right away.

    • Irrational, bizarre behavior
    • Suicide threats (direct and indirect)
    • Obsession with death
    • Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
    • Giving away belongings
    • Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
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  1. Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs. Healthy Children.org from The American Academy of Pediatrics. (http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Dang...
  2. Teenage depression: Prevention begins with parental support. Mayo Clinic. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-depression/art-20046841...
  3. Depression in Teens. Mental Health America. (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-teens)
  4. What Is Depression? National Institute of Mental Health. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml)
Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2022 Dec 19
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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.