How Parents Can Support Teenagers With Depression

Offering support and guidance to adolescents who appear to be suffering from depression can be challenging for parents. In many life circumstances, children rely on parents for the transfer of knowledge, but knowledge about managing emotions and mental health issues can be a different animal. Many parents do not know where to begin.

How Many Teens Experience Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2014, an estimated 2.8 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This number represented 11.4% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17. That’s over one in ten middle and high school aged children.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Depressed?

Major Depressive Disorder is defined as a period of two weeks or longer during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and self-image. While signs of depression may vary from one teen to another, many experience similar symptoms.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of depression:

Ways To Support A Depressed Teenager

When a parent discovers that their child is suffering in this way, it is hard to know how to talk about it or how best to support their child through difficult times. One thing to realize is that teens experiencing depression cannot be “talked” into feeling better. One cannot help by giving quick advice. Saying things such as, “Just think about all the great things you have going in your life,” do not help and could even make things worse. Moreover, when parents try to “fix” their children’s emotional state, they can inadvertently place an extra burden on them to try to feel better for the parents’ sake, or to fake it, all because parents are uncomfortable sitting with the feelings that are troubling their children.

The best way to support a child experiencing depression lies in empathy. To provide empathy is to switch from a mindset of problem-solving to one of seeking to understand the child’s experience. When the teenager shares, for example, that he or she is sad and frustrated and doesn’t know what to do, rather than search for answers, a supportive parent might say, “That sounds like you’re having a hard time. I’m here for you.” If parents are willing to sit with their children in that experience, then they are not alone.

Find A Therapist And/Or Psychiatrist

Empathy is key to supporting a depressed child, but empathy alone can only go so far. If your child is experiencing symptoms of depression, I encourage you to locate a therapist in your area who can provide individual therapy to your adolescent. Depending on the circumstances, you may consider finding a psychiatrist as well.  Research has shown that therapy and medication together are more effective for treating depression than either therapy or medication alone. There’s no reason to hesitate in seeking out professional help.  It is important that your child gets the support that he or she needs. If you are experiencing your own personal difficulty during this time, I would encourage you to get the support you need as well.  If you are in the Nashville area, and you would like to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call me at 615-582-2882 or email us at clientcare@nashvillepsych.com to schedule an appointment.

Take good care,

Dan