Article by Madison Weber, MHC-LP
Depression among teenagers is a pressing issue that affects millions of adolescents worldwide.
As a parent, guardian, educator, or friend, it’s essential to recognize the signs and provide appropriate support to help teenagers navigate this challenging journey.
You might be asking, but where do I start or what should I even be looking for?
Becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression, as well as the factors that can contribute to depression in teenagers, is vital for adults living and interacting with teenagers.
Receiving a diagnosis of depression may feel scary, but it is absolutely possible to navigate.
Understanding Teenage Depression
Teenage years are characterized by emotional turbulence, as adolescents undergo a myriad of physical, emotional, and social changes.
It’s natural for teenagers to experience mood swings and periods of sadness, but when these feelings persist and interfere with daily life, they may be signs of depression.
Additionally, you will notice that this is not a typical expression of sadness. Depression in teens may present as feeling empty, hopeless, excessive guilt, worthless, and possibly irritable.
You may also notice that your teen is having trouble concentrating or experiencing distress and challenges with decision making.
Risk Factors for Depression in Teenagers
- Biological Factors: Hormonal changes during puberty can affect brain chemistry and contribute to mood disorders.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of depression can increase a teenager’s susceptibility to also experiencing depression.
- Environmental Stressors: Academic pressure, social struggles, family issues, and bullying can trigger or exacerbate depression in teens.
- Trauma: Past traumas, such as physical or emotional abuse, can lead to depression in adolescence.
- Substance Abuse: Teenagers may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their emotions, which can worsen depression.
Helping Teenagers Deal with Depression
Provide a Supportive Environment
One incredibly beneficial step to addressing teen depression is creating a safe and supportive home environment.
When it comes to depression, we often see challenges with sleep, either being unable to fall asleep, or sleeping excessively.
Additionally, your teen may lose weight or report having very little or no appetite.
Encouraging healthy routines, such as regular meals, exercise, and sleep, can have a tremendously positive impact on mood.
Try to reduce stress at home, and avoid putting undue pressure on your teenager.
Encourage Hobbies and Interests
One aspect that is important to note about depression is that teens often feel uninterested in things they once enjoyed.
Help your teenager find and engage in activities they have previously enjoyed, or help them find new hobbies, sports or arts.
This can be an excellent way to boost their self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Promote Social Connections
Considering teens with depression often isolate, it is so important to encourage them to maintain or build social connections.
While isolation is their preferred state, it is a vicious cycle, as isolation can exacerbate depression.
Try to support your teen in spending time with friends and family who provide positive interactions.
Open Communication
Encourage open and non-judgmental conversations.
Let your teenager know that you are there to listen and support them, no matter what.
Sometimes, just talking about their feelings can be a significant relief.
Monitor Digital Usage
We all know how hard it is to get teens to look up from their phones or technology and engage with us.
It is also known that social media use and excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison.
Setting healthy limits on digital device usage can promote positive mental health benefits for teens.
Teach Coping Strategies
There are amazing resources out there that teach parents how to help their teenager learn healthy coping strategies for managing stress and difficult emotions.
You could also share your own experiences and what has worked well for you to help you cope with difficult emtions.
Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can be incredibly effective tools.
If this feels like too much to navigate on your own, consider working with a therapist to support you on your journey, and see if your teen is interested in working with their own therapist.
Therapy can also be a great space for your teen to learn these coping skills.
Professional Help
If you suspect that your teenager is depressed, seek the help of a therapist.
A therapist who specializes in depression in teens can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
In this case, they will be able to provide you with appropriate referrals to best support your teen.
Be Patient
Seeing your child struggling with depression or symptoms of depression can be extremely hard for parents.
I’d like to offer a reminder that recovery and change is a process, and it may take time for your teen to start feeling better, or before you notice any differences in their emotional states and behaviors.
Be patient with them and offer continuous support. It’s essential to understand that this journey is not linear, and setbacks may occur along the way.
Educate Yourself
My number one recommendation to parents who have a child that may be struggling with any mental health challenge is to learn about their experience.
It is so important for parents, caregivers and teachers to learn about depression and treatment options to better support the teen that they know is struggling.
Having adults choose to engage with struggles a teenager is facing can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and promote open conversation and connection with your teen.
While understanding these experiences can benefit your teen, this knowledge will also help you better understand what they are going through and what to expect during their treatment.
Knowledge is power and can help you reduce your own fears and anxieties surrounding their journey.
Depression in teenagers is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.
By offering understanding, support, and access to professional help, you can make a significant difference in your teenager’s life.
Remember that it’s essential to be proactive, patient, and to continue to be a source of love and encouragement as they navigate the challenging path of teenage depression.
Your support can help them find hope, healing, and happiness.
