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Recognizing And Treating Teen Depression: A Guide For Parents And Guardians

by Dr. Emily Kensington

"Learning About Teen Depression Saved My Child's Life!"

Signs of teen depression typically include: sadness or hopelessness, irritability, anger, hostility, tearfulness or frequent crying, withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, restlessness and agitation, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, fatigue or lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Talk To Your Teen

The first thing you should do if you suspect teen depression is to talk to your teen about it. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to open up about what he or she is going through.

Offer Support

Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

Be Gentle But Persistent

Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.

Listen, Don't Lecture

Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.

Validate Feelings

Don’t try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don’t, they will feel like you don’t take their emotions seriously.

If your teen claims nothing is wrong, but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts.

Remember that denial is a strong emotion, and teenagers may not believe that what they’re experiencing is the result of depression. If you see depression’s warning signs, seek professional help. Neither you nor your teen is qualified to either diagnosis depression or rule it out, so see a doctor or psychologist who can.

Visit A Professional: Learn More About Teen Depression

Parents must understand that depression is an illness as real as diabetes, and is very common. Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns you’ve noticed.

The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or another mental health disorder. As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your child’s symptoms.

Or bypass that step and make an appointment for a comprehensive psychosocial assessment by a psychotherapist, which could be performed by a clinical social worker, counselor, psychologist, etc. Once the assessment is conducted, a recommendation is make regarding the type of treatment, which may include weekly therapist sessions, group therapy, teen support groups, or all of the above. In extreme cases, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization may be required where patients are stabilized in a safe, monitored environment.

A word of caution regarding psychiatrists (especially primary care physicians) who merely prescribe anti-depressants, particularly with no therapy. Some alarming research has shown that anti-depressants in children/teens can increase suicidality. At best, medication is a temporary band-aid that does address the deeper cause and root of the depression. Medication merely “takes the edge off” bad feelings, and also comes with a host of negative side effects.

Teen Depression: What Parents Can Do During And After Treatment

Be Understanding

Living with a depressed teenager can be difficult and draining. Remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding.

Encourage Physical Activity

Encourage your teenager to stay active. Studies show that exercise can alleviate depressive symptoms, so find ways to for your child to stay active. This could be something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride.

Encourage Social Activity

Isolation makes depression worse, so encourage your teenager to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class.

Stay Involved In Treatment.

Make sure your teenager is following all treatment instructions and attending therapy.

When All Else Fails

Teen depression often worsens over time, therefore it is essential, both morally and legally, to ensure your child gets proper treatment. Get this free Parenting advice for any situation from a Parenting Expert that will help your child and your family get back on track.