Getting help begins with recognizing depression symptoms and understanding some of the potential causes of this mental health condition.
The next step is knowing when to seek help and who to reach out to.
We’ll cover all of this here.
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Reaching out to a physician or mental health professional is a good place to start.
Talking with the teen about depression and its treatment can be beneficial as well.
Is It Teenage Depression?
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
This alone can cause mood swings and depressed moods.
But what causesclinical depressionin teens?
This evaluation involves an assessment of the severity of the condition, along with weighing the best treatment options.
Ideally, this professional should specialize in working with teenagers.The teen’s pediatrician can be a good first step.
How they do this can vary.
A therapist who specializes in treating teens evaluates the symptoms based on talks with the teen and family members.
They then come up with specific recommendations that are the most likely to help the teen.
The evaluation process can take time.
There are also a few things we can do to help.
This enables us to better understand what they may be going through.
It also puts us in a better position tohelp them navigate teenage mental illness.
The teens themselves can also be a good source of information.
Be available to listen to how they feel and what they are experiencing.
Encourage the teen to talk about anything that’s bothering them.
Sharing how common it is can also help them not feel alone or abnormal if they have this condition.
This puts it into context as a condition that affects their health, thereby requiring treatment.
An example of what to say: “Depression is a mental illness.
you might talk privately to your therapist about how you are feeling.
Your medicine may make you feel tired or dizzy, but it should go away soon.
That’s why you’ll see the doctor once a month.
They will ask how the medicine is making you feel and will double-check that it’s helping you.”
Giving them a sense of control aids in their development while also teaching themhow to make healthy decisions.
Of course, allowing a teen to plan their own treatment isn’t practical.
But letting them make small decisions can help them feel like they have more control over their lives.
An example of what to say: “Your therapist wants to see you every week.
What day of the week would be best for you?
Would you rather go right after school or after dinner?”
Encourage Supportive Relationships
Supportive relationships are essential for people of all ages.
But they are especially important for teenagers with depression.
Having just one friend or supportive adultto talk with can be of significant benefit to the teen.
An example of what to say:“I am always here to talk to you about anything.
Talking to your friends can help, too.
Having supportive and encouraging people to lean on is important.
Talking about your feelings can make a difficult time a little bit easier.
Which of your friends do you think you might be able to talk to?”
Also support the teen’s positive daily routines, such as taking their medications and eating well.
Encourage healthy self-help strategies and ensure that their home is a safe, comforting place.
However, talking about suicide won’t give the teen ideas.
Seek immediate medical care if the teen is having suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
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