Being a teenager is challenging and often difficult.
During the teen years, both brain and body development expand at an enormous rate. This exponential development, coupled with increased academic and family expectations as well as increased peer and social media pressures, teens have a proverbial full plate. While many young people can navigate the difficulty of their teen years, some struggle to cope with these changes. In some cases, teens develop mental illnesses such as depression.
If your son or daughter is dealing with a depressive disorder, this article gives you further information on depression as a disease and its signs. Most importantly, you will learn how to get help with teenage depression. Are you needing help with teen depression right now? embrace U is one of Tennessee’s premier teen mental health treatment centers. Our outpatient programs are designed specifically for teenagers, and our evidence-based programs empower teens to transform their lives. Call us today for more information.
What is Depression?
Depression is a condition that produces profound feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in the activities that were once enjoyed. Depression goes beyond feeling down in the dumps or having the blues, a depressive disorder is debilitating and leads to significant emotional and social problems. If not addressed through professional help, depression severely impacts how people function at work and school and how they interact socially with family, friends, and others.
There are a variety of causes for depression. A major factor is a family history of depression or living in a household where depression is prevalent. Chronic health issues can also play a role in the development of depression in teens. Additionally, the drastic hormonal changes teenagers experience can also lead to the development of depression.
Another significant factor in teen depression is the experience of traumatic life events. These can include the following:
- Death of a parent or loved one
- Divorce
- Isolation
- Physical, verbal, or sexual abuse
- Bullying
- Witnessing violence
- Surviving a life-threatening accident
What Are the Signs of Depression in Teens?
When helping teens with depression, it is vital to know the signs of depression. When you deal with teenage depression, you must be aware teens feel depression differently than adults. While adults feel emotional pain when describing their depression, teens speak about the physical pain of depression, such as upset stomach, headaches, and just “not feeling well.” Also, teens with depression tend to isolate themselves from family and friends. Other signs of teen depression include the following:
- Feelings of hopelessness and anger
- Low self-esteem
- Loss of energy
- Self-harm
- Changes in appetite
- Agitation
- Restlessness
How to Get Help for Teenage Depression
Getting help for teenage depression is crucial in your child’s long-term recovery. When you first see the signs of depression, find a quiet and private time to talk to your teen. Explain the behaviors that concern you and ask open-ended questions to allow them to fully express themselves. Engage in active listening and make them the center of your attention. Be sure not to minimize or trivialize their feelings.
It is also essential to cut them some slack when it comes to household responsibilities. Find ways to make tasks more manageable. It can also be helpful to cook more healthy meals and do more physical activities as a family. Obviously, the best way to get help for teenage depression is finding a treatment program specifically geared to your teen’s individual and specific needs.
Are There Teen Depression Treatment Programs?
If you are looking to get help for teen depression, you may question whether there are facilities that offer teen depression programs. Fortunately, a growing number of facilities offer specialized programs centering on helping teens with depression. These programs feature evidence-based programs that are proven effective and administered by professionals with proven experience working with teenagers. Many of these programs are run outpatient and offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate your teen’s busy schedule. embrace U is a top-tier Brentwood IOP for teens that can help treat a variety of mental health conditions. Our number one goal is to help inspire and empower teens and their families to transform their lives. We believe in promoting a sense of belonging, inclusion, and empathy so that all young people feel safe and supported. For teen depression treatment that improves and changes lives, call embrace U right now.