It can be a tough thing to accept that your teenager is experiencing depression. But it can be even harder if you feel like they don’t want help.
Keeping the communication lines open is important – even if it feels like it’s just a one-way thing at the moment. The good news is, there are some simple things you can do at home to help improve your teen’s mood and well being.
Things that can help when experiencing depression
Support and connection
Social connection is an incredibly important protective factor against depression. Encourage your teen to join you for simple activities, to give them opportunities to chat with you or just to hang out.
Strong friendships can also boost self-esteem and increase feelings of belonging, self-worth and hope. Encourage your child to spend time with supportive friends and to engage in social activities, if they feel they can. This can include connecting with other young people online.
Being available to talk
Your young person might not want to talk when you approach them. While it’s not helpful to push them to open up, it’s important for them to know that when they feel up to it, you’ll be there for them.
Sometimes, talking to an adult friend can be easier than a parent, so if there’s someone close to your child, consider having a chat to them about this and asking them to reach out.
Hobbies and activities
It can also help to encourage the things that they enjoy doing, either on their own or with friends.
Keep expectations realistic – for example, if your teen is a competitive runner, but they’ve been feeling down and haven’t run in a few months, they probably won’t want to go back to regular running right away. Small steps, like just getting to the park and spending ten minutes walking around, are more achievable.
Exercise
Movement and physical activity is particularly important for someone who is depressed. Simple suggestions such as inviting your child to go for a walk, swim or a bike ride can start the endorphins flowing, which can lift their mood. These activities can be a short-term circuit breaker, which may enable them to think about getting help or engaging in other activities that require more focus or concentration.
Eating and sleeping well
Eating nutritious meals and getting the right amount of sleep are enormously beneficial in treating depression.
Remember: if your child is depressed, they are likely to experience lethargy and low motivation. So, if they won’t engage in positive lifestyle changes initially, be patient and try to find ways to make it as easy for them as possible.
Seeing the doctor
Your teen might feel more comfortable talking to a doctor about their physical symptoms rather than their emotional symptoms.
Encourage them to list their symptoms, when they occur and how they feel about them. Think of this as a way to help them open up and be more comfortable with getting support. Offer to go with them to the appointment, but be respectful of how they want to manage their own health.
Expressing your emotions
The way your teen sees you react to situations provides a model for them of coping skills, so the way you handle your own emotions is crucial. Your child needs to know that you support them and that you care, but also that you respect their need to find their own way though their situation.
It’s important to be true to your own feelings in this situation. Don’t hide your concern, but try to remain calm and to help your child feel confident that this is something they can get through with help.
Excerpted from “What to do if my teenager doesn’t want help” on ReachOut.com. Read the full article online.
Source: ReachOut.com | What to do if my teenager doesn’t want help, https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/mental-health/things-to-try-depression/what-to-do-if-my-teenager-doesnt-want-help | © ReachOut Australia 2021
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