Does Your Teen Seem Helpless, Hopeless, Irritable Or Perpetually Down?  

Has your teenager shown signs of worthlessness, self-blame, or restlessness? Does your teen seem less interested in activities and events they once enjoyed? Perhaps your teen is suddenly angry, irritable, or prone to frequent crying, along with other significant mood swings. Or maybe your teen is overly self-critical and withdrawing from friends and family. Does your teen appear to lack motivation and often express a “what’s the point?” or “why bother?” attitude? Do you wish you could better understand your teen’s experience to give them the support and guidance they need to feel happy, safe, and successful? Watching your child suffer from depression can be confusing, worrying, and even frightening. You may wonder where the depression is coming from and feel guilty, questioning if you, as a parent, did something wrong. Every day might feel like a struggle as you try to get your teenager out of bed, while walking on eggshells, afraid to trigger a crying spell or an angry outburst. You may have noticed changes in eating and sleeping habits, problems at school, withdrawal from friends, substance use or abuse, or other self-harming behaviors. Additionally, your efforts to reach out to your child might be met with withdrawal, agitation, or hostility.

Teenage Depression Is More Common Than You May Think

The teenage years can be tough. Between hormonal shifts, peer pressure, expanding social circles, the pressure to succeed, and the confusion of figuring out who they are, many teens struggle to find their place in the world and face various challenges along the way. For most teens, this is part of normal “teenage angst,” which they will eventually grow out of. But for some, navigating the teenage years is more difficult. Factors like genetics, trauma, major life changes, or loss can contribute, and about 11 percent of adolescents will be diagnosed with a depressive disorder by age 18. Girls are more likely to experience depression than boys, and the risk increases as teens grow older. Since teenagers are often moody, it can be hard for parents to tell if their teen is truly depressed. However, if your teen suddenly withdraws from friends and activities they once enjoyed, shows little to no motivation, uses alcohol or other substances, or makes suicidal comments, seeking help from a specialist in teenage depression may be crucial for your child’s current and future well-being.

Therapy Can Help Lift Your Teenager Out Of Depression And Provide Skills To Cope

In a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment, your teen and I can begin to identify, explore, and address the thoughts, feelings, and issues fueling your teen’s depression. Once we understand the underlying causes—whether it's too much pressure to achieve, a family history of depression, peer challenges, or past trauma—your teen can start to develop greater awareness of his or her thoughts and experiences and begin to think more realistically about current events. Your teen can move away from negative self-talk and self-punishment, learn healthy ways to cope with stress, and gain greater control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors each day. During sessions, your teen can also develop a deeper understanding of who they are, along with their strengths and goals. A key part of treating teenage depression is helping your teen build on their strengths, set practical and achievable goals, and develop mindfulness and self-awareness. Your teen can also identify and adopt healthy habits to feel better and make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods and getting more rest and exercise, which can positively impact emotional, mental, and physical health. Teens with depression need substantial support. With a strong support system and a therapist experienced in treating teenage depression, hope is possible. When addressed early, most teenagers can recover from depression, learn healthy coping strategies, and better understand themselves during therapy. Your teen can learn how to reframe negative thoughts, boost self-esteem and confidence, and enter adulthood equipped with the tools they need to succeed and feel fulfilled.

How can I determine if my teen is truly suffering from teenage depression or if this is just normal teenage angst?

Occasional bad moods and acting out are normal for teenagers. However, if your teen’s emotional wellbeing or behavior has suddenly changed or has been a concern for a while, a consultation can help determine if something more serious than teenage angst—such as depression—is at play. Many depressed teens go undiagnosed because of the common belief that such behaviors are just part of adolescence. In fact, studies show that only one in five teenagers with depression receives help. The good news is that teenage depression is highly treatable. If you have ongoing concerns, be proactive and seek a professional opinion.

I know that my teenager needs help, but he or she adamantly refuses to try therapy.  

If you are genuinely concerned that your teen is suffering from depression, there is little choice for your teen regarding whether therapy should be an option. You need to get your teen help, or the symptoms and related issues could get worse. While it’s your responsibility to get your teen into the office, once there, it’s my role to help your teen engage in the therapy process and start to better understand his or her emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and life experiences. If you are truly worried, don’t wait. Your teen needs help, and getting it now could be crucial for their current and future well-being.

I think that my child could benefit from therapy, but I’m concerned about cost and time.

I encourage you to see therapy as an investment. Depression can indicate underlying emotional issues and/or excessive stress. Current research also shows that the longer a teen experiences depression, the higher the risk of it impacting their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as their ability to thrive academically and socially. Additionally, untreated depression can develop into more serious health problems, such as suicidal thoughts. Statistics reveal that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 24; and 1 in 7 teens has considered suicide, while 1 in 14 has attempted it. Teens who gain a better understanding of their depression and learn healthy, effective coping strategies can be crucial in fostering long-term emotional well-being and success.

Your Teen Can Experience Relief

I invite you to call me for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your teen’s specific situation and needs and to answer your questions about teen anxiety and my practice. You can reach me at 404-386-6130 or email alison@kellycounselingandcoaching.com

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If you would like to set up a complementary 15 min. phone consultation or schedule an appointment, call 404-386-6130 or email alison@kellycounselingandcoaching.com You can also fill out the form below. Please note that counseling and coaching services are for Georgia residents only. Thank you and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

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