Depression in adolescence: How could you help?
You are in a sad or irritable mood most of the day. Your child may say that he feels sad or angry or seems on the verge of tears or bad mood.
- He doesn’t enjoy the things that used to make him happy.
- A noticeable change in weight or the way you eat, either a lot or a little
- Sleep too little during the night or too much during the day.
- He no longer wants to be with family or friends.
- Lack of energy or feel unable to do simple tasks.
- Feelings worth nothing or guilt.
- Problems focusing or making decisions.
- He doesn’t worry about what might happen in the future.
- Aches and pains when all is well.
- Frequent thoughts about death or suicide.
Any of these symptoms can occur in children who are not depressed, but when they all occur together almost every day, they are warning signs of depression.
What should I do if I think my child is depressed?
- Talk with your child about his feelings and about things that happen at home and at school that may be bothering him.
- Tell your child’s doctor. Some medical problems can cause depression. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy (counseling to help people with their emotions and behavior) or
- Your child’s doctor can now do an evaluation to detect depression every year from 11 to 21 years because suicide is the leading cause of death in adolescents. Any suicidal thoughts should be treated as an emergency.
What can I do to help?
Promote good health
- The basics for good mental health include a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercise and positive relationships with other people at home and at school.
- Limit the time you spend in front of a screen (TV, computer) and encourage physical activity to help you establish positive relationships with others.
- Spending time alone with each of the parents, being praised for their good behavior and stressing their strengths helps narrow the pitch between parents and children.
Provide security and protection
- Talk to your child about the issue of bullying or school abuse. Being the victim of bullying or harassment is one of the causes of mental health problems in children.
- Watch for issues related to affliction, grief or loss. Seek help if these are grieving problems that do not get better. If you as a parent are suffering a loss, ask for help and seek additional support for your child.
- Reduce stress. It may be necessary to make short-term changes in the amount of homework, work or activities.
- Lock firearms, knives, ties, cables, medications (including those you buy without a prescription) and alcoholic beverages.
Educate others
- Your teenager is not making up the symptoms.
- What appears to be laziness or irritability can be a symptom of depression.
- Talk about any medical history of the depression family to increase understanding
Help your teen foster understanding and adaptation techniques.
- Help your child relax with physical and creative activities. Focus on the positive things of the child.
- Talk and listen to the child with love and understanding. Help your child learn to describe his feelings.
- Help your child examine problems in a different and more positive way.
- Solve problems or tasks in small steps so that your child can succeed.
Create a security plan
- Follow your child’s treatment plan.Make sure your child attends therapy and takes his medication as directed.
- The treatment works, but it can take a few weeks. The depressed child may not realize the mood changes immediately.
- Make a list of the people you can call when the negative feelings get worse.
- Be aware of suicide risk factors. These include talking about suicide in person or online, giving away belongings, thinking a lot about death and substance abuse.
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