Depression and Teens: Coping with Depression

Depression and Teens:

Coping with Depression

Causes and Symptoms Coping with Depression

Treatment Options How to Get Help for Your Teen

Strategies that may help your teen cope with depression:

Let your teen know that you are interested in how she is feeling and that you are available to talk. Just knowing that you care is helpful.
Encourage your teen to keep up with her daily activities. Help her to participate in activities that she enjoys and that help her relax. Staying busy and in touch with others is especially important.
Encourage your teen to get some kind of exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week. Eating healthy foods and being active can help improve mood.
Suggest that your teen keep a journal. Writing about her feelings, drawing, and writing poetry are some ways that teens like to express themselves. Often being able to express their feelings will improve how they feel.
Brainstorm with your teen about other strategies to cope with depression.

What else do I need to know?

Depression in teenagers is more common than people realize and most people who receive treatment for depression get better. Unfortunately, many people who are depressed don't get help. There are many reasons why people don't get help. Some people think that seeking treatment is a sign of weakness. Others are afraid to be seen as "crazy" for seeing a counselor or taking medication. Some parents do not recognize signs of depression in

their teens, or sometimes they do not want to face it because they feel they are to blame or that others will blame them. It can be challenging to find the right mental health professional that is a good fit. It may take a few interviews with different mental health providers until your daughter finds someone she is completely comfortable with. The provider should not only have expertise in working with adolescents but more importantly, your teen should feel totally comfortable talking with this person. Although finding the right help takes time and courage, it greatly improves your teen's chances of getting better.

Next: How to Get Help for Your Teen

Written by the Center for Young Women's Health Staff

Updated: 07/03/06

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Causes and Symptoms	Coping with Depression
Treatment Options	How to Get Help for Your Teen