What Parents Can Do To Help with Teen Depression

 Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. With all this turmoil and uncertainty, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage growing pains. But teen depression goes beyond moodiness.
It’s a serious health problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Fortunately, it’s treatable and parents can help.

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens

1. Sadness or hopelessness
2. Irritability, anger, or hostility
3. Tearfulness or frequent crying
4. Withdrawal from friends and family
5. Loss of interest in activities
6. Poor school performance
7. Changes in eating and sleeping habits
8. Restlessness and agitation
9. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
10. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
11. Fatigue or lack of energy
12. Difficulty concentrating
13. Unexplained aches and pains
14. Thoughts of death or suicide

Your support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track. Here are some ways Parent can help there Teens:

v  Set aside time each day to talk. Whether it’s on the way to school, over dinner, or right before bed, talking to your child lets them know that they always have someone to come to with their problems.

v  Find out what makes your child anxious or concerned. Identifying the things in their life that could trigger depression – a particularly difficult class or an impending break-up – will your make you better prepared if your child starts exhibiting depressive symptoms.

v  Encourage your child to express his/her feelings. Making their feelings known instead of bottling them up helps teens come to terms with their emotions and have a better understanding of what they are.

v  Respond to aggression or negative emotions in a calm way. One of the symptoms of depression is irritability and a tendency to lash out. It’s important not to respond to this with more anger, or the bridge of trust between you and your child will be broken.

v  Recognize your child’s achievements and praise their strengths. Although not all teenagers will show it, most truly value their parent’s encouragement and support. Find the thing in your child’s life their most proud of and take a genuine interest in it.

v  Take a walk. Studies have shown that exercise has a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of depression. Conversely, spending too much time indoors watching TV or on the internet has been shown to increase the risk of depression. Encourage your teen to get out and move, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

If you’re sure that your child is exhibiting symptoms of depression, the best course of action is to confront them directly. Let them know honestly that you are concerned. Ask them about their own thoughts, and if there’s any type of support they need from you.

You may need to consult professional help. Talk your child’s school counselor or nurse. You can also talk to your child’s pediatrician, who can give you referrals for local psychologists who specialize in treating children.

Source:

Helpguide.org

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