As a parent, watching your teen struggle with depression can be heartbreaking. Even when you want to help, you might not be sure where to start. Teen depression often shows up differently than it does in adults, and what may seem like “just a phase” or moodiness can actually be a sign of something deeper. The good news is that your support can make a huge difference in your teen’s recovery from depression.
Signs of Depression in Teenagers
Teen depression can manifest in a variety of ways. While some teens may appear visibly sad or withdrawn, others might become irritable, angry, or apathetic. Common signs include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- A drop in academic performance
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Self-harm
It’s important not to dismiss these symptoms as normal teenage behavior if they persist for more than a couple of weeks. Early intervention can make a huge difference. Here’s how to help your teen.
Open the Door to Conversations
Start by letting your teen know you’re there for them without judging their behaviors and feelings. Rather than pushing for answers, approach them gently. You might say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately, and I just want you to know I’m here if you want to talk.”
Be prepared for resistance. Your teen might not want to talk at first, and that’s okay. Keep the lines of communication open, stay calm, and continue showing up in small, consistent ways.
When your teen does open up, listen more than you speak. Avoid jumping in with advice or minimizing their feelings. Phrases like “It’s not that bad” or “You’ll get over it” can be unintentionally hurtful. Instead, say, “That sounds really tough. I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. I’m here for you.”
Create a Supportive Home Environment
You don’t need to have all the answers, but creating a stable, supportive home environment goes a long way. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Keep standard daily and weekly routines. Consistency helps teens feel grounded and secure.
- Encourage healthy habits, like regular sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity (including sports).
- Limit their screen time. Excessive time on social media can worsen depression symptoms. Encourage taking breaks from scrolling and spending time offline with friends and family.
- Model emotional openness. Talking about your own feelings and stress in age-appropriate ways normalizes emotional expression. This can encourage your teen to be more open about their experiences going forward.
- Be patient with them. Celebrate the small steps they take toward caring for their mental health, and offer unconditional love and support.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a teen with depression can be emotionally draining. Make sure you’re also tending to your own mental health. Talk to a friend, join a support group, or consider therapy for yourself. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Doing all of this also teaches your teen valuable lessons about handling life’s challenges.
Seek Professional Help for Your Teen
If you suspect your teen is depressed, don’t try to manage it alone. Teen therapy offers a safe space for teens to explore their emotions, learn coping skills, and challenge their thought patterns. Depending on how severe their depression is, medication may also be recommended by a doctor or psychologist. Most importantly, if your teen expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, get help immediately. Call a crisis line, take them to the emergency room, or contact a mental health professional right away.
To get them started on their healing journey, reach out to us today for an assessment of how to support your teenager’s needs.
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