Depression is not something only adults have to tackle. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, approximately 20 percent of Americans suffer from depression before the age of 18. While everyone feels down from time to time, depression is more severe and long lasting. A depressed teen may be lethargic, unfocused, moody and withdrawn. Helping your teen with depression is crucial, as a 2004 SAMHSA report estimates 712,000 youths have attempted suicide while suffering depression, and another 1.8 million have contemplated doing so.
Step 1
Offer support. SAMHSA recommends keeping the lines of communication open with your child and talking to her about how she is feeling. Likewise, the Washington State Department of Health suggests using leading questions such as, "I am worried about you. What is on your mind?" Listen to your teen's responses without judging or dismissing them. Take her comments to heart and offer to help her find solutions.
Step 2
Foster a physically active lifestyle. The Georgia Department of Community Health reports that physical activity can help reduce your teen's anxiety and depression. An hour or more per day is recommended. In addition, team sports and other extracurricular activities help teens feel supported and boost self-confidence, which can all deflect depression.
Step 3
Remove potentially harmful items from your home. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the predominant risk factor for suicide is having a loaded gun in the home. Get rid of or lock up guns and pills. You may even wish to hide or remove other items your teen could use to harm himself, such as knives, razor blades and ropes.
Step 4
Monitor his behavior. If you believe your teen is depressed, watch for symptoms such as major changes in eating and sleeping, physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches as well as flare-ups of irritability and anger. Reckless behaviors, such as driving dangerously, and talk of how life is not worth living can be signs that your teen is contemplating suicide.
Step 5
Seek professional help. Many professionals can provide the assistance your teen needs or at least can refer you to someone who can. Speak to your primary care doctor, a school counselor, a member of your clergy or a local mental health care provider. SAMHSA provides an online mental health services provider locator that can direct you to a licensed professional counselor in your area.
