Navigating Depression
- Apr 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Recognizing Signs: Teens may look tired, quieter, and prefer to spend more time alone.
Depression may be indicated by symptoms like increased sleep, social isolation, and giving up interests.
Teen depression symptoms include crying fits, unexplained pains, emotional numbness, irritability, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, sensitivity to rejection, hopelessness, exhaustion, memory problems, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, poor hygiene, social isolation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Time Spent on Diagnosis:
For two weeks, symptoms must be present for the majority of the day, every day, in order for a mental health practitioner to diagnose depression.
Options for Treatment:
Similar to cognitive behavioral treatment, talk therapy (CBT).
Applications for mental health.
either in-person or virtual group therapy.
Engage in active listening while communicating.
Avert probing inquiries and concentrate on the information they provide.
Establish confidence before talking about delicate topics
Nutrition: Include foods high in minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, that are good for depression.
Limit your intake of energy drinks, artificial sweeteners, and refined sugars.
Validation: Acknowledge and share your empathy for their circumstances.
Give advise solely upon request.
Crisis readiness: Make a list of emergency contacts and locations.
Keep a digital record of your prescriptions and medical history.
Understand the number to call in a crisis.
Sustaining Treatment: It's important to keep up with treatment even if symptoms become better.
Seek advice from mental health specialists regarding modifications to therapy or medication.
Self-Assessment by Parents:
Put your mental well-being first.
Have a candid conversation with the teen's pediatrician.
Acknowledgment: Your efforts to help your teen matter and can give them the necessary stability and security, even in the face of difficulties.
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