Depression plagues more than 15 million Americans per year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Everyone has highs and lows. Depression takes it a step further, when the lows last for much longer than the highs, and it feels as if the highs will never return. Add school issues, physical and personality changes and difficulty relating to parents, and teenagers who suffer from depression have a steep, uphill battle. But you can help.
Step 1
Talk to the teen. Many times teens are not forthcoming with information on what is bothering them. However, when asked, they may be a little more willing to talk about what is going on.
Step 2
Provide unconditional support by letting the teen know that you understand he's having some difficulty and that he can talk to you whenever he needs to. Depressed teenagers are often irritable, so it may seem that communicating this will fall on deaf ears. No matter what, it is important that you persist.
Step 3
Seek outside help in close support. Teens sometimes feel they can't go to their parents for help. Ask a trusted family member or friend with whom the teen has a good rapport to talk to the teen, on her terms.
Step 4
Spend quality time with the teen, one-on-one. With pressure from school, work, extracurricular activities, finances and even the other family members, teens can be easily overwhelmed. Find some time to do an activity that the teen enjoys; this can act as a distraction for what may be troubling him and can provide another opportunity to talk through some issues.
Step 5
Find a counselor or therapist. If depression persists or is a recurring problem, there is some likelihood that it could continue into adulthood. Helping the teen find a counselor or therapist he can talk to in a safe place confidentially provides him with a recourse for seeking help when needed. In extreme cases, the teen may need to begin taking medication to treat his depression.
