Tools for Coping with Teenage Depression?

Answer 1

Coping tools for teenage depression include talking to a trusted adult or therapist, engaging in physical activity, practicing self-care such as getting enough sleep and eating well, and participating in activities that bring joy and relaxation. It's important to seek help and support from professionals to properly address and manage teenage depression.

Answer 2

Although teenagers have a reputation for being moody, teenage depression is a very real and a very serious condition, separate from "normal" teenage turmoil. If your teenager has been diagnosed with depression, you are probably feeling worried and anxious yourself, and wondering how you can help. Providing a steady source of love and support is going to be your best bet at helping your child deal with their depression.

Be Prepared to Listen

Your teenager needs to know that they can safely come to you with anything and you will listen and not be judgmental. Often, they aren't looking for specific advice; they just need someone to hear them out and validate their feelings. This can be difficult to provide. As a parent, you want to help them and provide solutions to their problems, but this can actually frustrate them. Emotion coaching, as described by John Gottman in "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child," can be helpful here. Essentially, validate your child's feelings by repeating them back and showing empathy.

Medication

Depression is the result of a chemical imbalance. It isn't something that can be wished away. Positive thinking is not going to solve it. Medication is a significant part of most treatment programs for depression. If your child's doctor is prescribing medication to treat the depression, do not do anything to discourage your child from taking the medicine. This could be a matter of life and death.

Behavioral Therapy

When treating mental health conditions, medicine and behavioral therapy go hand-in-hand. Make sure your child gets to every scheduled appointment, whether it is with a psychiatrist or a licensed counselor. Expect the sessions to be confidential, but you can ask the counselor what you can do to help. Family counseling might also be appropriate.

Don't Isolate

It can be tempting to hunker down and try to hide from the world. Don't do this. While you shouldn't advertise your child's diagnosis to the world, it shouldn't be kept a secret either. Encourage your child to talk about the diagnosis and their concerns with other family members. This can be helpful both in educating others in the family and helping your child cope.

Answer 3

If you have depression there are many ways you can help yourself. Going to your doctor and getting prescription depression medication is just one of them.