Printer Friendly
Guys' Version
View Full PDFDepression and Teens:
How to Get Help for Your Teen
 |
|
| |
 |
What should I do if I think my teen is depressed?
If you think your teen may be depressed, ask her. Has she been feeling down, depressed, sad, irritable or hopeless? It is important to let her know that you noticed that she seems unhappy, and that you care. It is very important to consult a professional if your teen shows feelings or behavior that are of concern such as depression for more than a short time, drinking or using drugs, lack of appetite, decline in grades, increased social isolation, increased irritability, risky behavior, or self-harm.
Any of the following professionals should be able to provide treatment or help you get treatment for your teenager.
- Mental health professional such as a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist
- Health care provider: your teen’s health care team likely can be helpful with making a referral to a mental health provider. Additionally, they may suggest that your teen be seen for a check-up to rule out any physical cause for her change in her mood, etc.
- School counselor
- Clergy person
- Your health insurance company has lists of mental health providers in your community who accept your insurance. Often there is a phone number on the back of your insurance card for mental health or behavioral health services. This number can be used for general questions, referrals and emergencies. By law, all medical insurance policies have to include coverage for mental health care, both out-patient and in-patient.
What if my teenager says she is thinking about hurting herself?
Anyone who has thoughts or feelings about hurting themselves should be taken seriously and should get professional help immediately. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens and young adults, but can often be prevented with urgent treatment.
It is important to know that many people, teenagers included, who feel suicidal will usually tell someone before they kill themselves or make an attempt to kill themselves.
Teenagers may injure themselves by cutting, or with drugs or alcohol without intending to kill themselves. However, self-injury is serious and should always be taken as a sign that the teen is feeling overwhelmed and cannot cope with her feelings. If a teen is harming herself, she needs immediate intervention.
If your teen is harming herself or says she thinks about killing herself, she needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional immediately! If you are unable to obtain urgent care from a mental health provider, take your teen to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
 Previous |
Updated: 2/23/2010
