The Facts About Counseling Depressed Teenagers
In recent years, mental health has been more centered in society. Inarguably, this is a net positive for us all. For too long, the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders has prevented struggling individuals from seeking the care they need. This has been especially true for teenagers, who deal with a very different set of pressures than adults. If you think your child is navigating a depressive state, seemingly unrecognizable from their normal self, you may want to learn a bit more about what goes into counseling, depressed teenagers. It goes without saying that all teens will be sad from time to time–just as adults will–but when that sadness seems pervasive and creeps into daily aspects of their life, professional help may be beneficial. A licensed therapist can work with your teen to provide them with the tools they need to approach life in a more positive state of mind.
When a teen is experiencing depressive moods, leaving that affliction untreated can cause significant problems. For one, depression can prevent your child from enjoying things that they previously loved doing, be it sports, hanging out with friends, or schoolwork. Untreated depression can also get worse with time. The teenage years are especially formative, and depression can fester and follow your child into adulthood. When you think your child is depressed, the best course of action at the outset is to talk to them. You will need to truly listen to how they are feeling and make them feel heard. From there, you may want to look for a therapist who specializes in teenage depression.
Counseling Depressed Teenagers: When to Look for Help
Depression, like any other mental health issue, is not always easily detectable. Teens can be naturally moody, as it tends to be a part of those years in general, but there are certain signs you should be vigilant for. If your teen has embraced an overly negative outlook, this can be a sign of depression. This commonly manifests by dwelling excessively on failures and being too hard on oneself. Lower energy is also something to watch for. If your teen is suddenly putting less effort into their school work than usual, for instance, that could be due to a low mood. Sleep patterns are also something to pay attention to, as too much or too little sleep can be an indicator of depression.
There are more obvious, troubling symptoms as well. Talk of suicide or self-harming behaviors is clearly a red flag. If you are concerned about your child’s well-being and mental health, even setting up a one-time therapy appointment can help. You might find that just talking with someone will show a positive result for your child.
We Can Help Your Family
We offer a number of teenage counseling services. We can work with you and your family as you address concerns about anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. At Insight Treatment, we offer a safe environment where your child will feel welcomed. To learn more, call us today, or send us an email by visiting our Contact Us page.