How to Help Depressed Teens

Seriously depressed teens can have recurring thoughts of suicide. That is is why they should be encouraged to get help if their behavior lasts for several days. According to the About Teen Depression website, sad teenagers are often angry, irritable, hostile and they may withdraw from family and friends. Professional help is often needed in helping a depressed teenager. Depression can occur in teenagers the same way it does in adults; with teenagers, however, they depend on adults to find them help.

Instructions

• 1

  Have a doctor examine the teenager. He might refer your teen to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

• 2

  Choose a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience and training in helping teenagers with depression.

• 3

  Have the teenager take any antidepressant that is prescribed or go to any therapy that is suggested. Many doctors won't recommend antidepressants to teens because the effect on young brains is unclear.

• 4

  Seek help from a residential treatment center specializing in teen depression if the problem persists. These centers focus on specifically helping the teenager's depression and underlying issues.

• 5

  Encourage your teen to use coping skills he developed during therapy to ensure he doesn't become depressed again.