Depression in teens is far from rare – as a matter of fact some 2.8 million teens had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Fortunately, as a parent, there are numerous steps that can help your child deal with the problem.
Recognizing the Signs of Depression in Teens
Depression in teens is both similar to and different from depression in adults. Namely, where depressed adults tend to isolate themselves, a teen may withdraw from some – but not all – friends. While the predominant emotion in adult depression is typically sadness, depression in teens often causes anger and irritability as well. Other symptoms of depression in teens include sadness, hopelessness, irritability, anger, loss of interest, lack of appetite, fatigue, and shifts in sleeping patterns. Sudden drops in school performance, unexplained aches, and extreme sensitivity to criticism could also be results of depression in teens.
An important thing to remember about depression in teens is that it’s not your child’s fault. Depression is an illness – one that can lead to reckless, dangerous, or harmful behaviors. As such, it is important for parents to watch out for depression in teens; the earlier it is caught, the better.
Offering Support
Depression can be a difficult illness to manage, but with support, your child can get even through the worst of days. The hardest thing for your child may be to talk about the problem. Although it may be tempting to lecture or criticize your child, it is more useful to offer them a safe space for their feelings. Judging – no matter how irrational the feelings may seem to you – will not do any good; instead, be open to listening and communicating. No child wants to feel patronized or interrogated, so when dealing with depression in teens, remember to be gentle and supportive.
If your child’s depression gets out of hand, it may be time to consider professional help.
Solstice can help
Solstice, a residential treatment center for teen girls and assigned female at birth struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties, can help your child find success.
It is important to start recognizing the signs of depression in teens. For more information about Solstice, please call (866) 278-3345 today!
