Parents Guide to Teenage Depression
Spotting Teenage Depression
We all know teens can be grumpy but when does grumpy turn into depressed?
Knowing whether your teen is medically depressed or just unhappy can be difficult to determine. The following list gives common symptoms of depression for you to look out for:
- Loss of interest in socialising with friends.
- Loss of interest in activity.
- Loss of interest in sexual or romantic activity.
- Spending a lot of time at home/ in their bedroom, often alone.
- General negative/ self-deprecating attitude.
- Loss of motivation at school.
- Loss of interest in appearance.
- Sometimes, a tendency to lean against family over friends.
- Gets upset easily/ cries a lot.
- Extreme lows
- Sometimes anger is used as an output of depression.
How Can You Help?
Make sure your teen knows s/he is a priority and can count on your full, unconditional help and support. Tell them repeatedly all the positive things they have to offer. Spend time just sitting and listening to your teen’s thoughts and fears - listening is a simple but very effective therapy
In some cases you may not be able to help your teen by yourself. In most cases of medically recognised depression your teen will need help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. If in doubt, contact your GP in the first instance.
What Other Help is Available?
Coverage varies from school to school but some teach very little about the signs and symptoms of depression. If, however, you suspect your child is depressed most schools will provide a school counsellor to support your child further through school.
As a parent it can be difficult to watch your child go through such a traumatic experience and you may find you’d benefit from some support too. It may be worth contacting a local support group.
Recommended Sites/Reading:
Overcoming Teen Depression: A Parents Guide by Miriam Kaufman.
Depression Alliance Scotland have a list of support groups in Edinburgh. Click here to visit.
Have YOU had experience of depression yourself or in your family? Why not share your thoughts?
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