Does Your Teen Seem Helpless, Hopeless, Irritable Or Perpetually Down?
Has your teenager expressed feelings of worthlessness, self-blame or restlessness? Does your teen seem less interested in activities and events that he or she once enjoyed? Perhaps your teen is suddenly angry, irritable or prone to frequent crying, among other drastic mood fluctuations. Or, maybe your teen is overly self-critical and withdrawing from friends and family. Does your teen seem to have little to no motivation and often express a “what’s the point?” or “why bother?” attitude? Do you wish you could better understand your teen’s experience so you could provide him or her with the support and guidance needed to feel happy, safe and successful?
Having a depressed teenager can be a confusing, concerning and even frightening experience. You may wonder where the depression is stemming from and feel guilty, wondering if you did something wrong as a parent. Every day may feel like a struggle as you try to drag your teenager out of bed, just to walk on eggshells around him or her, afraid to set off a crying spell or angry outburst. You may have noticed changes in eating and sleeping patterns, problems at school, isolation from friends, substance use or abuse or other self-harming behaviors. And, your attempts to reach out to your child may be met with withdrawal, agitation or even hostility.
Teenage Depression Is More Common Than You May Think
The teenage years are challenging. Between hormonal changes, peer pressure, expanding social environments, the pressure to achieve and the confusion of figuring out who they are, many teens struggle to find their place in the world and bump up against all kinds of challenges along the way. For most teens, this experience is part of normal “teenage angst,” which they will eventually grow out of. But, for some, the teenage experience is harder to navigate. Whether due to genetics, trauma, a major life transition or loss, about 11 percent of adolescents will be diagnosed with a depressive disorder by the age of 18. Girls are more likely to experience depression than boys, and the risk for depression in teens increases as teens get older.
Because teenagers are notoriously moody, it can be challenging as a parent to read the signs of depression in teens and determine if your child is truly depressed. However, if your teen is suddenly withdrawing from friends and activities he or she once enjoyed, appears to have low to no motivation, is using alcohol or other substances or has made suicidal comments, getting the help of an expert who specializes in treating teenage depression may be critical to your child’s current and future wellbeing.
Teenage Depression Counseling Can Help Lift Your Teenager Out Of Depression And Provide Skills To Cope
In a safe, supportive and compassionate environment, your teen and I can begin to identify, explore and address the thoughts, feelings and issues that are fueling your teen’s depression. Once we understand the driving force or forces – be it too much pressure to achieve, a family history of depression, peer challenges or past trauma – your teen can begin to develop a more mindful awareness of his or her thoughts and experiences and begin to think more realistically about current experiences. Your teen can begin to move away from negative self-talk and self-punishment, learn healthy ways to cope with stress and develop greater mastery over his or her thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
In teen therapy sessions, your teen can develop a greater awareness of who he or she is, along with a deeper understanding of his or her strengths and goals. A key part of teenage depression treatment is to help your teen build on strengths and set practical, achievable goals while developing mindfulness and increased self-awareness. Your teen can also identify and implement healthy ways to feel better and make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier food and getting more rest and exercise, which can have a measurable impact on emotional, mental and physical health.
Teens with depression need a lot of support. We can discuss ways for you to help your teenager, along with resources at school and in the community that can provide assistance as your teen heals. With a strong support system and the help of an experienced depression therapist, there is hope. When treated early, most teenagers can move through depression, learn healthy ways to cope and get to know themselves better in the therapy process. Your teen can learn how to reframe negative thinking, increase self-esteem and self-confidence and move into adulthood with the tools he or she needs to be and feel successful.
I think that my teen needs help, but I still have questions and concerns about therapy for teenage depression…
I’m afraid that a depression diagnosis will mean that my teen will need to be on medication for the rest of his or her life.
First, a lot can be done to manage symptoms of depression in teens in without the need for medication. Unless your teen’s depression is severe, there is no need to seek medication immediately. If his or her depression is severe, we can discuss options, and I can refer you to a physician for an anti-depressant evaluation and prescription. That said, I generally do not like to go the pharmaceutical route. Rather, I approach treating teenage depression from a more holistic approach, which can lead to long-term success. However, if all other approaches are not working, we can discuss the use of medication as a temporary solution to help mitigate symptoms so your teen can engage in therapy and other important aspects of his or her life. Finally, the decision to try or not try medication is your and/or your teen’s to make. It’s my job to provide information, options and support.
How can I determine if my teen is truly suffering from teenage depression or if this is just normal teenage angst?
Occasional bad moods and/or acting out are to be expected from teenagers. However, if your teen’s emotional wellbeing or behavior has dramatically shifted or is a long-standing concern, a consultation can help you to determine if something more severe than teenage angst – such as depression – is occurring. And, because of the notion of teenage angst, many depressed teens go undiagnosed. In fact, studies show that only one in five teens with depression is getting help. The good news is that teenage depression is highly treatable. If you have an ongoing concern, be proactive and seek a professional opinion.
I know that my teenager needs help, but he or she adamantly refuses to try therapy.
If you are seriously concerned that your teen is suffering from depression, there is not a lot of choice on your teen’s part as to whether therapy should be an option. You need to get your teen help, or else symptoms and related issues could worsen. While it’s your job to get your teen into my office, once here, it’s my job to help your teen engage in the therapy process and begin to better understand his or her emotions, thoughts, behaviors and life experiences. If you are really concerned, don’t wait. Your teen needs help, and getting help now may be critical to your teen’s current and future wellbeing.
Your Teen Can Experience Relief
If you’re in Louisville, CO or the surrounding area, I invite you to call me at 720-427-8222 for a free 15-minute consultation. I’m happy to discuss your teen’s specific situation and needs and to answer your questions about counseling for teenage depression and my practice.