Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Talking to teens about depression:

Even the best child parent relationships run amuck when the conversation turns to depression.
By Motherpedia
Date: January 03 2012
Editor Rating:
talking-to-teenagers-about-

Even the best child parent relationships run amuck when the conversation turns to depression. If your teen or preteen has lost interest in activities she or he used to love or has become irritable for no apparent reason, it is possible that she or he is depressed.

While there is lots of help for depressed teens, the hardest step is the first one: bringing it up and facing it so you can begin to work on it as a family. Knowing how to approach your kid to ask about their mental health is tough. How many years has it been since you were a teenager? 20? 30? More? That chronological separation as well as the symptomatic feelings of isolation and shame depression brings make it hard for parents to start this important conversation.

Checking in with yourself first

Before you start talking to your teen about depression, make sure you’re in the right place emotionally and mentally to have the conversation. Are you calm and ready to listen? Before you begin, make sure you have the energy to hear your child speak to you honestly.

Think about what you want your daughter to feel as you talk to her about your worries. Consider the best ways to reach out to your son without patronising him. Think back to when you were a teen. What did your parents do that made you feel alone? What things did they do just right? What things do you wish they had done for you? Considering all these things beforehand will allow you to enter the conversation with the big picture in mind.

Trusting your teen

Teenagers are portrayed as rowdy and reckless, but most parents are wise enough to see the vulnerable, confused person struggling between childhood and maturity when they look at their teens. Remember that anger often covers up a deeper fear and, if your teen offends you in some way, focus on his or her suffering that is causing the lashing out instead of on the lashing out itself. When depression is present, negative emotions seem overwhelming and inescapable. This can be a terrifying feeling and it can also make a person believe they are trapped.

You don’t need to go through your child’s dresser and computer to know what’s up. Instead, put some trust in your child. Sometimes, when there are fewer rules to rebel against, there is less rebelling in general. If a parent wants their teen to trust them enough to open up to them about depression, the parent will have to trust and respect their child. What goes around comes around.

Have resources ready

Feeling suicidal is what happens when the pain of depression outweighs the resources available. This doesn’t mean you should buy your teen ten books on mental health and sign him or her up for therapy and medication all at once. Instead, ask around for mental health resources for teens. Jot down the name and phone numbers of a few therapists you think might click with your child. You can even write down the phone number and email address of an adult family friend who would be willing to be a non-parent adult figure in your child’s life.

Don’t push the information you’ve gathered onto your teen. Sit down, bring up your concerns, listen with an open heart to what he or she has to say and then share that you’ve found some things you think might help. It’s possible your teen will reach out to you to help them through depression. It’s also possible your teen will deal with it on their own and your resources will remain piled in a corner. But it’s also possible that on a particularly bad day, the phone numbers and information you gathered will be the little nudge or the life saving push your teen needs. 

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
4 Total Comments
Hirsch Drive says: 2018 09 03
Rating:

So you’re running a blog all the week like 24/7 and all at once one day you find your self with nothing to write about. You is probably deeply thinking about. You have created a fantastic and fantastic blog but now you want visitors. Today we’re going to review a few ways you may use to promote your weblog. apartments for sale

Joshua Knowles says: 2018 09 29
Rating:

You have made a marvelous and exceptional weblog anyway now you need movement. Today we will assess a few methodologies you can use to offer your weblog. So you are running a blog all the week like every minute of every day and at the same time one day you find your self with nothing to expound on. You may be profoundly considering. See more

smith says: 2018 10 03
Rating:

Blog and take the feeds also… I’m fulfilled to find such huge numbers of helpful information here in the setup, we require work out more systems on this respect, thank you for sharing. I like seeing weblog that comprehends the benefit of offering a quality asset for nothing.lowest price at formal shoes

Jan Schwarz says: 2018 10 08
Rating:

We are set up to serve you at whatever point any wherein live to raise your wireless, by then connect with us, we can be set up to go to your place in a resort, rental, or nearby. Astounding setup. stay aware of this stimulating canvases. It in all likelihood is all in all right to understand that this subject is being consolidated in like manner on this site page so cheers for putting aside a chance to look at this! Read more

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.