What Can You Do If Your Teenager Is Depressed?

Teenage depression is a complicated, deeply challenging problem for families. Here are some ways to approach it.

DON’T dismiss this as adolescent behavior or something that they’ll “get over”.

Although it can be tempting to write this off to teenage mood swings, clinical depression is a serious medical condition, no matter which age group it impacts. It also often doesn’t go away on it’s own without significant life changes or intervention. If left untreated, depression can have severe, profoundly destructive long-term effects.

DO take this seriously and discuss respectfully.

Especially if your teen comes to you talk about their feelings, it’s important to honor the validity of what they’re saying. Listen without trying to project or try to immediately “solve” the problem.

DON’T tell them to cheer up or tough it out.

A person with clinical depression can no more “cheer up” than an insomniac can fall asleep or a child with ADHD can suddenly concentrate for hours. Suggesting your teen shrug it off and brighten up tends to come across as patronizing and will only alienate them from you.

DO encourage them to seek treatment.

Although some people do pull themselves out of depression alone or with only the support of family and friends, the majority require professional medical aid. That may mean therapy, medication or, in extreme situations, an inpatient stay. Whatever the treatment, it’s important that your teenager is willing to undertake the steps they need to get better.

DO emphasize that this has nothing to do with personal weakness or failure.

Many patients, especially younger ones, feel that their depression is simply their inability to cope and that they are somehow inadequate for being unable to do so. It is important to be clear that depression can impact anyone and that they are not weak for feeling this way.

DON’T assume that the same treatment will work for everyone.

Clinical depression and how to combat it is a frequently debated topic. Part of that is that every person is simply different and there is no single, perfect cure for everyone. Some patients require medication and some do not. It is important to refrain from passing judgment on other people’s treatments. Concentrate on what seems to work or not work specifically for your child.

DO try to maintain as much of a routine as possible.

As simple as it sounds, having a regular structure to the day can have a positive effect on depression. It is important that your teenager gets out of bed in the morning, maintains their school responsibilities and continues to live their life.

DON’T continue to pursue a medication if it doesn’t seem to be working.

Medications affect different patients in different ways. It often takes several tries to get a dosage right or to find one that fits to your specific teen. If your child seems emotionally flat, does not show improvement or displays suicidal tendencies, talk to your doctor about changing.

DO provide emotional support.

No matter how good their therapist is, everyone suffering from depression needs the support of friends or family. Do your best to be there and just listen without judging.

DO encourage physical activity.

Even moderate daily physical activity can help boost endorphins and lift your teen’s serotonin levels.

DO keep your teen away from alcohol or illegal drugs.

These substances often react negatively, even dangerously, with antidepressants and can have incredibly destructive effects.

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