Being a teenager is hard. It’s a time when you transition from childhood to adulthood. Teenagers are often expected to go through this stage smoothly. However, it is a very turbulent period. It’s quite usual to observe mood swings and periods of low mood in teenagers. Sometimes, these low moods become more prominent and frequent, leading to teen depression. This can happen for various reasons such as genetics, stressful circumstances, or physical problems. Depression can also happen for no reason at all, which is hard to accept for teens and their parents. It’s easy to assume that seeking help for a mental health problem is a sign of weakness instead of a human condition. Due to this stigma and resistance, and the worry of appearing imperfect or vulnerable by others, many teenagers do not ask for help.
Teen depression often impacts all areas of life, especially relationships with family and friends. This is because depression usually comes with symptoms such as changes in mood, appetite, physical discomfort, and disruption of sleep. Witnessing their teen struggle is challenging for parents, especially when they don’t know what is causing it or how to help.
Symptoms of Teen Depression
The following symptoms vary from person to person, as well as in severity:
- Irritability and anger
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Lack of energy
- Disruption in sleep or excessive sleep
- Troubles with concentration
- Changes in appetite
The symptoms noted above are often coupled with behavioural changes. Some of which include the following:
Notable Behaviours:
- Poor grades
- Decreased attendance in school
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Violence
Helping a Depressed Teen
If you notice that your teen exhibits some of the listed symptoms, it is worth voicing your worries to them. Make sure to do this in an empathetic and non-judgemental way, as they might not be ready to open up. Making them feel like they have the space to discuss their feelings is crucial when confronting them. If they are not ready to talk to you, let them know that professional treatment is always an option.
Tip #1: Educate Yourself on Depression
The most important thing you can do for yourself and your depressed teen is to educate yourself on depression. Many teenagers avoid talking to their parents because they are afraid of what their parents will think. Unfortunately, many parents don’t take the time to understand depression. This causes the relationship to suffer because the teen feels alone. By educating yourself on what depression is, you will be able better understand what your teen is going through. This will allow you to emotionally support your child when they are ready to talk about it with you.
Tip #2: Provide Emotional Support
We all need support from time to time, especially when we are going through a hard time. When someone is dealing with depression, knowing that they have an emotional support system can make a big difference. When your teen opens up to you about their depression, listen to them and avoid lecturing or providing your own input. Also, make sure to offer compassion and empathy when talking with them. This will let them know they can trust you with their thoughts and feelings.
Tip #3: Prioritize Physical Health
In many cases, depression makes it difficult for teens to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Depression can change their sleep, appetite, and ability to be productive. In these cases, encouraging them to maintain their physical health can make a big difference. This can take the form of making healthy and well-balanced meals and encouraging them to eat 3 meals a day. This can also mean discussing physical activities with them. There are many types of physical activities that can ease depression symptoms.
Keep in mind that forcing your teen to do these things will only make them feel bad about themselves. Be encouraging and empathetic instead of forceful.
Teen Depression Tip #4: Keep Yourself Mentally and Physically Healthy
Discovering that your teenage son/daughter is depressed is usually overwhelming for parents. You may find that you are blaming yourself for their depression. You may also find yourself using most of your time and energy on your depressed teen and neglecting your personal needs. It is important that you make sure to take care of yourself during this challenging time. Children observe what their parents do, how they take care of themselves, and how they feel. So, when parents can detach from the stress caused by their child’s depression and seek opportunities to have fun and take care of their needs, they become role models of self-care for their teen.
Lastly, it is never a bad idea to reach out and seek professional help when the situation becomes worrisome. The good news is that depression is highly treatable with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and can be an excellent option for teens who are willing to try. Giving a teen the opportunity to get learn how to fight their depression is the best gift that you can give to them so they can stop suffering so much and find ways to break free. Current treatments are quite effective and can provide relief soon after they start using simple behavioural techniques. Thoughts also get affected by depression, and negative downward spirals are common. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. To learn more about CBT for teens and how they can get help click here.
