How to Help Teens with Depression

The teen years aren't easy ones. Teenagers go through many internal and external changes, and these can be difficult to balance. At school, they may need to adapt to more difficult assignments and more homework. They might also get involved in extracurricular activities like sports, band, or choir. On top of it all, this is a time when social dynamics can be especially tricky to navigate.

Internally, teens are experiencing radical changes in their bodies. Puberty brings hormonal changes that affect their bodies and minds. With everything they're going through, they might experience changes in mood, energy levels, eating habits, and social skills.

All of this change can make it difficult to distinguish normal struggles from those that are part of something larger, such as depression. Just like adults, teens can suffer from depression, and they will need support to heal. Let's learn more about how to help teens with depression.

Educate Yourself

If you suspect that your teen is struggling with depression, one of the best things you can do is to take the time to educate yourself. Use resources like books, podcasts, articles, and blogs to learn more about the causes, signs, and symptoms of depression, as well as treatment options.

The more you know, the more easily you'll be able to identify signs of depression in your teen. You'll also be better equipped to help them cope in healthy ways moving forward.

Implement Healthy Habits

You can help your teen feel better from the inside out by encouraging them to adopt healthy habits. Make sure they're fueling their body with healthy and balanced meals throughout their day, drinking enough water, aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night, and finding ways to move their body for at least thirty minutes each day.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Make sure your child knows that you're there for them, no matter what. Be patient with them during this time, as they may not be ready to talk to you about how they're feeling right away.

It's important to try to encourage open and honest communication. If you've spotted some potential signs of depression, express your concerns in a non-judgmental way. When they're ready to talk, make sure you give them your full and undivided attention and actively listen to them.

Be There for Them

As a parent or primary caregiver, when your child is struggling, you'd do anything to help them be happy and healthy again. But there isn't an easy fix for depression. You can't take their pain away just because you want to. Even as a parent, you can't have all of the answers or solutions in life.

What you can do is be there for them. The trick is to make sure you're not dismissing their feelings or trying to fix their problems. They don't need you to lecture them about their own feelings or tell them that they're not feeling depressed. Instead, encourage them to share, and then you can validate their emotions.

Seek Professional Help

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition. While there are certain things that you can do to help if your teen is struggling with depression, there's no real replacement for the support of a licensed and trained mental health professional.

Encourage your teen to try talking to someone about what they're going through. They may be hesitant at first, but try to have an honest conversation with them about how beneficial teen counseling can be. When you both are ready, we're here for you. Reach out today to get started on a path toward healing and happiness.