5 Steps to Take if Your Teenager is Depressed

Adults are not the only ones who deal with mental health issues. Teenagers can struggle with depression, and there are things you can do to help them get through it. These steps will get you started.

Make Home a Safe Place

There is a stigma around mental health struggles that is just now being addressed. Fortunately, most people now understand that shame and blame should not be feelings people have when they experience depression, but you need to make sure your teen is aware of this.

Make your home a safe place for your teen by talking openly about mental health. Don't tell your child to simply get over things or be dismissive. Your child should know he can come to you with anything and that he will have your support. Let him know that his depression is simply something his family will help him with just like they would any other illness.

Encourage Relationships

It's normal to want to pull your child close when he is depressed, and this is a good idea. However, you also have to understand that your child will need other positive relationships in her life to thrive. Encourage her to talk to other people she trusts about what she is going through, and don't take it personally if she looks to friends or other family members for support.

Your teenager may want to share certain aspects of her depression experience with other people, and that isn't something you should take personally. If she is able to open up to others, it means she's processing her emotions and feels safe to share them. This can help your child feel less isolated, and that can go a long way in helping her with the symptoms of depression.

Seek a Professional

If your teenager is depressed, you are likely feeling extremely overwhelmed. You don't have to go down this road alone, so look for a professional who can help you help your child.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a psychologist who can offer you and your child guidance. There are many mental health providers all over the world, and finding the one your child is comfortable with is key. A professional mental health provider can get to the root of your child's depression and help you understand your part in their healing.

Consider Medication

There is not a one-size-fits-all treatment for depression. However, many people try medication, such as SSRIs, to help them when they are feeling especially bad. Don't rule out medication for your teen because it may be what helps him when nothing else can.

Make sure the person treating your child for depression knows his medical history and what medications he is already taking. Discuss the pros and cons of taking meds for depression, and consider every angle before making a decision. An anti-depressant can help your child feel enough like himself again that he is able to do other things to help alleviate his depression, such as be physically active and get enough sleep.

Create a Routine

When a person is depressed, it can be hard for them to do basic things that look easy for everyone else. As a parent, you can help your child create a routine that will allow her to put one foot in front of the other each day. Some days may be harder than others, but a routine is a great starting point.

Taking a shower, eating a meal, and going on a walk are great activities to have in your child's daily routine. It's also important to make sure your child doesn't spend every second isolated or on technology. Though it's normal for teens to want time on their own or to connect online, too much of that when depressed can leave them more depressed and adrift.

You can help your teen deal with depression, and your whole family can grow through the experience.