Adolescence is a time of significant change! Bodies start to grow, identities begin to form, and emotions are felt on a much deeper level. Due to high emotional states and the still-growing ability to regulate them effectively, teenagers are more likely to develop mental disorders such as depression.
Depression manifests differently in teens than it does adults, and it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, or declining performance in school. There are ways to help teens in need. If you start to notice signs of depression, try these 4 steps:
1. Open the Lines of Communication
The first step is to make sure that teens are supported through open, nonjudgmental lines of communication. Teens may not always feel comfortable expressing their feelings, especially if they fear they will not be understood. It’s important for them to know that they have people there to talk to, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable the conversation might be.
Tips for Improving Communication:
- Listen more, talk less: Instead of immediately offering advice or solutions, practice active listening. Let your teen know that you hear them and understand what they’re going through.
- Validate their emotions: Teens need to know that their feelings are valid, even if their struggles seem minor or temporary from an adult’s perspective. Avoid minimizing their experiences by saying things like “This won’t matter in a few years,” or “It’s just a phase.”
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking “yes” or “no” questions, encourage deeper conversation by asking, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been on you mind?”
2. Create a Supportive Environment
Home should be where a teen feels safe. When a teen is struggling with depression, they may need extra attention, patience, and flexibility from their family. A supportive home can help teens manage stress, process emotions, and regain a sense of stability.
Ways to Make a Home Safe:
- Establish routines: Depression can disrupt a teen’s sense of structure. Help your teen by establishing consistent routines, including regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and study times.
- Limit excessive pressure: Teens today face significant pressure from school, extracurricular activities, and social media. Try to alleviate some of this pressure by emphasizing that their personal well-being is more important than academic and social achievements.
- Promote healthy habits: A healthy lifestyle can improve a teen’s emotional well-being. Encourage regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
3. Be Aware of Warning Signs and Take Action
Recognizing signs of depression or suicidal ideation is critical. Depression can escalate quickly, so you want to be sure to identify signs sooner rather than later.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, or activities: If your teen is isolating themselves more than usual, it could be a sign that depression is worsening.
- Risk-taking behavior: Engaging in reckless or dangerous activities, such as substance abuse or self-harm.
- Talk of death or suicide: Any mention of wanting to die, disappear, or end their life should be taken seriously, even if it seems casual or offhand.
If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s important to address the issue quickly, seek immediate help, and offer love and support.
4. Encourage Professional Help
Professional treatment is often needed in treating depression. Therapy can help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms and provide a safe, neutral space to explore their feelings.
Ways to Support Professional Treatment:
- Normalize therapy: Help your teen understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Normalize the idea that therapy is something that helps people, like going to the doctor when you have physical illness.
- Offer assistance: Some teens might feel overwhelmed by the idea of finding a therapist on their own. Offer your help with research on local therapists and attend consultation appointments.
- Encouragement: Allow them to make the decision on their own time, and keep encouraging them to seek help and to talk to support people.