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You love your child with all your heart, and the only thing you want for them is to live a happy, full, healthy life. And you wish you could protect them from every single struggle and challenge that comes their way. You will work hard to always prevent them from feeling hurt, but there are some things you simply cannot tackle without help. And one of those is teenage depression, a problem that affects millions of young people every single year. 

It’s hard to tell if your teen is one of the people who battle this condition because symptoms of teenage depression can be extremely hard to spot. The truth is that even at their best, teens can be a bit moody and hard to read. But it’s vital that you know what to look for and how to handle it if it arises. That is because teenage depression can lead to some very serious and life-threatening consequences if it’s left unchecked. 

What Is Teen Depression?

As mentioned, some teens can have a hard time handling their feelings. That is only natural. At that period, their hormones are all over the place, and it can cause them to act out, be irrational, and have a hard time controlling their emotions.

But there is a difference between usual mood swings and depression. Teenage depression is hard to spot because it’s so similar to regular moodiness. But it’s not the same. It is far more than just feeling sad or angry. Instead, it’s a deep and troubling emotional pain that doesn’t seem to go away. Plus, it can interfere with everyday life, robbing a teen of the best years of their lives. 

Did you know that about one in five teens are getting mental health care? That is actually a good thing because it shows that these young people are taking care of themselves more. They know that mental health matters are important and they want the most out of their lives. This means the stigma about seeking help is lessening. Therefore, if you suspect that a teen in your life has serious depression, you can sit down with them and talk about it, and expect that they will be willing to listen.

What To Look For

So, teenage depression is about so much more than just feeling generally sad. If left untreated, it can create huge conflicts at school, at work, and can even lead to suicidal ideations or self-harm that could ruin a teen’s life.

What should you be looking for when you are looking out for the teenager in your life? Again, this can be difficult but you must be vigilant. 

You need to note if you see that your teens are withdrawing from their friends in their lives. If they are losing interest in their hobbies or not doing their schoolwork, this might be a big sign of them slipping into serious depression. And what about their sleep? Are they sleeping too much, or not at all? Both of those can be signs of depression. 

As you can see, it is tricky to know if your teen is suffering from real depression. Teens are good at hiding this and they are naturally sleepy and prone to emotional regulation. That is why it’s so important to talk to your teen if you suspect anything is amiss. You don’t want to avoid this conversation. 

What To Say?

At all times, it’s vital that you remember what your goal is: you are looking to protect your teen from something that could quite literally ruin their lives forever. 

With that in mind, the conversation should be easier, but it won’t be a breeze. Make sure you approach them and lead with love. Don’t be accusatory, don’t assume, and don’t be demanding. Ask simple questions about their mental health and how they are feeling. And then, let them explore and expand their thoughts. Be a gentle and warm and welcoming energy and you’ll find that they open up a lot more. 

Make sure that you avoid any sort of language that will sound like a lecture. And also stay away from the idea of you being able to “fix” your teen and make them all better. That only makes their problems seem smaller and less important. Instead, just be there for them and let them know that no matter what they are feeling, you are ready to help them in any way you can. 

Teenagers don’t want to hear a list of things that they are doing wrong or solutions that will supposedly just solve their problems. Instead, they want to feel like they are being heard by their parents. Sometimes, just feeling seen and valued can go a long way to battling depression. 

Getting Help

The truth is that sometimes depression is so severe that professional help is required. There is nothing wrong with speaking to a therapist, and that should be encouraged to your teen. Make sure they know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. 

Teens are all about autonomy too, and you can pitch the idea of talking to a therapist as a way for them to show their independence. They are taking their health into their own hands and that is the ultimate sign of being an adult. 

But also keep in mind that they might not like the idea of seeking help. The stigma around mental health remains strong and they may need some time to warm up to this. But let them have their time. Offer to help, tell them how you think it’ll help, and then leave the ball in their court. 

Depression Doesn’t Have To Be Forever

No matter how your teen reacts to your offers for help, it’s important that you remain there for them. Don’t shrink away, don’t overburden them, just be there and let them know you aren’t going away.

You love your teen, and they need that more than ever when they are going through their battle with depression. If they know you are there, through thick and thin, they will eventually come to you for the sort of help they need.