Quick Links: Teen Depression Quiz | Parent's Guide to Teen Depression
A teen who has been diagnosed with teen depression presents a unique challenge to their parents. The key is figuring out whether depression is the root cause of the problems that arise in your teen's day-to-day life or if it's normal teen stress and angst. And how do you help your teen cope in either situation? Here's what you need to know about the varied ways depression may show up in your teen and what steps you can take that will help.
Ways to Help Your Teen Cope With Depression
Depression in teens is fairly common but often dismissed as a normal part of navigating adolescence. And while mood changes and periods of disillusionment are part of this developmental period, sudden or dramatic changes are not. Teens suffering from depression are likely to feel frightened and loose confidence in themselves and ability to navigate their world.
Most will not recognize what they are going through as depression but may instead start to feel that growing up is far more difficult than they imagined and grow increasingly discouraged by this. Troubled teens often act out the difficulties they are experiencing and need adult assistance in dealing with their pain. A depressed teen will usually need their parents to identify the changes being caused by the possible presence of this disorder and take steps to deal with the problems it's causing.
Related Resources:
- 7 Self-Help Strategies for Depressed Teens
- 5 Things You Should Do if You Think Your Teen is Depressed
- How Do I Help my Teen Who Refuses to Get Help for Her Depression?
- Tips to Getting Your Teen to Take Prescribed Medications
Professional Treatment Options to Help Your Depressed Teen
The sooner depression in your teen is recognized, the sooner it can be treated. Early clinical intervention in the treatment of depression usually means your teen spends less time suffering and more time healing. With professional help the extent of your teens' depression can be identified and treatments implemented to help your teen understand their symptoms and ways to cope in order to feel better.
Teens require assistance in navigating this situation and help in managing the disorder. The good news is that treatment for teen depression is readily available and in most cases is effective in helping a depressed teen learn ways to effectively manage this disorder. Many options are available, a good approach is to have your teen evaluated by a professional, who will then recommend treatment options based on the severity of the symptoms, how long your teen has struggled with them and their motivation to heal.
Related Resources:
- Therapy Options for Your Depressed Teen
- Initial Steps in Helping Your Depressed Teen
- Treatment Programs for Teens Suffering From Depression
The Dangers of Not Dealing With Your Teens' Depression
Not only do symptoms vary but teens can suffer from depression that ranges from mild to severe. It's always best to err on the side of caution if you suspect your teen is depressed, exhibiting possible signs of depression or acting differently than they were previously. This disorder usually doesn't go away on it's own and in many cases gets worse. Sometimes symptoms will improve only to return after a few weeks or months.
If your teen is suffering from depression the symptoms they experience are likely to be distressing to them, since they will not understand their source or the changes in how they feel and act. Of great concern with a depressed teen is the increased risk of suicide as thoughts of suicide can come on suddenly, a reality that parents need to be aware of.
Related Resources:
- The Dangers of Untreated Depression in Teens
- 8 Reasons Depressed Teens Are at Risk for Suicide
- How to Get Help if Your Teen is Suicidal
If Your Teen Continues to Struggle With Symptoms of Depression
If your depressed teen is being treated for depression but not making progress, parents need to consider the possibility of a dual diagnosis, the presence of both a mental health disorder and subtance abuse. Teens sometimes turn to drugs in an effort to feel better and then may come to depend on the drugs to keep their symptoms at bay.
Unfortunately, when this happens it can be difficult to diagnose, as teens often don't disclose that they are using drugs to self-medicate. The interaction between the depression and the effects of the drugs becomes intermingled, creating a complicated situation that can be difficult to sort out. If you suspect your teen may be dealing with more than depression or isn't responding after a period of time to treatment for depression, it may help to explore this possibility. When both problems are addressed at the same time your teen can get the help needed to cope with both inter-related issues.
Related Resources:
- What Parents Need to Know About Dual Diagnosis in Teens
- The Courage to Parent a Troubled Teen
- How Can Parents Help Their Teen Recover From a Dual Diagnosis?
Quick Links: Teen Depression Quiz | Parent's Guide to Teen Depression
Updated: Denise D. Witmer, December 2011