Is Your Child Depressed?

How do you know if your teenager is having bad times? The teen years are difficult as kids try to transition from being a protected child to a more autonomous young adult. The process is painful for many! Some young people become depressed in the process, need help, but don’t have the inner recourses to reach out.

Too often parents don’t read the signs of depression well or don’t want to admit to themselves that there is a problem within their family. The teenage suicide rate is high, so this isn’t a subject to take lightly!

Here are some signs that your child may be having difficulty.

1.    A withdrawal from friends and usual activities.

2.    A drop in grades.

3.    An increase in sleep.

4.    An irritable mood.

5.    A preoccupation with death.

6.    A lack of mirth.

7.    Signs of drug and alcohol abuse.

The worst thing parents can do is to do nothing. Often a young person will make it difficult for parents to intervene. The young person wants help, but then he or she doesn’t! After all, a young person is trying to be independent, and “help” may stimulate strong dependent needs for the adolescent. These feelings may be hard to acknowledge.

What should parents do? Here are some ideas:

1.    Talk with your teen and point out what you see.

2.    Consider having a meeting with school people with your teen.

3.    Offer a mental health evaluation or insist on it if necessary. Be willing to be part of the evaluation.

4.    Look at your self critically. Have you been remiss as a parent?

5.    Have a family meeting and let people express what they see and feel.

Here are some ways to find a mental health provider.

1.    Get a referral from your pediatrician.

2.    Get a referral from your child’s school.

3.    Talk with friends who may have leads.

4.    Call your local psychological association.

Often teenage depression is symptomatic of a larger family problem. By facing the problem a teenager and his or her family may become happier and more productive. A little help can go a long way!