How to Deal With Depression With Teens

Depression is common during the teenage years, with 1 in 8 teens suffering from its effects according to the Kidshealth.org website. It is hard to determine whether a teen is depressed, or if she is just suffering from the typical drama and mood swings of the teenage years. Depression can occur due to genetics, life events, and medical conditions, or due to the environment a teen is in. Some symptoms of depression are easy to see; showing signs of sadness, being unusually fatigued most of the time, withdrawal, inability to concentrate, weight gain or loss and complaining of unexplained aches. Other signs that are unseen are thoughts of suicide or death, low self-esteem or feelings of guilt, changes in sleep habits, and the inability to enjoy things that brought happiness in the past. There are ways to help your teen with depression.

Things You'll Need

• Journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Explain that depression is common and does not mean the person is crazy. Depression can occur due to genetics, life events, medical conditions or because of the environment a teen is in socially or at home. Neurotransmitters in the brain regulate moods and send messages to the cells. When the neurotransmitters are not at a proper level, depression can occur.

• 2

  Listen to your teen and communicate in a loving and caring way. Do not yell or demand that they are lazy or that he needs to try harder. Support your teen and let him know you will be willing to assist him however he needs it; by taking him to a doctor or psychologist or by just listening and being there for him.

• 3

  Involve your teen in an activity; everyone feels better by being active and involved. It could be a physical activity such as biking, exercising or dancing, or something that helps the teen to express their feelings such as journaling or art.

• 4

  Seek advice from a therapist or doctor if the symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, or if your teen expresses thoughts of suicide. Your teen may need medication and if so, make sure they are aware the medications may take a few weeks to be beneficial.