Teenage depression is serious and often goes untreated. Symptoms might be overlooked or minimized as part of growing up or something that will just pass away with time. However, this is dangerous as depression has a negative impact on children’s development, school performance, and relationships.
Symptoms of teenage depression include feeling sad or hopeless. They might be angry or easily irritated. They may lose interest and enthusiasm for things they once enjoyed. They may feel bad about themselves and lack confidence. Some complain of stomach aches, headaches, or some other physical discomforts. Sometimes there are changes in their eating habits or sleeping patterns. Hopeless and suicidal thoughts can also afflict them. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of suicide among youth. Teenage depression can be destructive or fatal. Untreated, it can lead to unhealthy and dysfunctional patterns of coping such as withdrawal, isolation, bullying, delinquency, drug use, promiscuity, self-injury, or self-destruction.
Talk therapy (counseling) with a licensed therapist or psychologist can be very helpful in helping individuals understand why they are depressed and in developing strategies for managing teenage depression. I have worked with many, many teenagers who are able to fully manage their symptoms of depression through talk therapy alone. Depending on the circumstances of the depression, there can be noticeable results very quickly for both the teen and for those around them. It is important that teens find a therapist whom they can connect with and open up to. It is completely acceptable and appropriate for teens and parents to screen or interview a potential therapist to determine if the individual will be a good fit.
Encouraging exercise and social activity is also very helpful for teenage depression. Many teens find art, journaling and yoga in addition to traditional sport helpful when feeling depressed.
Parents who are dealing with teenage depression may feel very overwhelmed themselves as this can be a scary and uncertain time. It is important that parents take care of themselves and tend to their own needs despite the significant needs of their teen. Parents need their own support during this time if feeling overwhelmed whether this is the support of a friend or family member, a life coach or their own therapist.
In addition, most parents find it helpful to educate themselves about what is going on for their child. This can be done through the internet, talking to a doctor or to their teen’s therapist, or through reading a book or two about depression. It is also important for parents to not blame themselves or each other for their teenage depression. Depression can be caused by many factors so it is unlikely that any one person or thing has caused the situation. Remember, the good news is that most teens are able to feel better through one of the interventions mentioned above and learning about depression is the first step towards getting your teen the help they may need.
Another option in the treatment of teenage depression is herbal supplementation. Herbs can be very beneficial for those who don’t want to take prescribed medications or who want to avoid the serious side effects of many of them. Herbs that are known to have specific effects on mood are blended in a precise formula for a rounded treatment of depression.
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