Although the problem of depression is affecting a number of people, there are certainly good treatments available for it. But, in the case of teen depression, there are certain problems. The foremost problem is that many parents are not aware of this problem. They may not be able to recognize the symptoms of depression in their teens. Secondly, those who know about teen depression may not consider it as a serious problem. Perhaps due to this attitude, they take this problem lightly. They do not realize that if this problem is not treated on time, the life of their teens may be in jeopardy.
Guide To Parents For Treating Teen Depression
Acquiring Knowledge
Parents should first learn about teen depression. There are a number of sources from which they can acquire sufficient knowledge. Internet is a good source and so, parents can browse the Net and go through all the materials that are available. They can seek guidance from experts like counselors, psychiatrists and psychologists. Discussing with well-informed friends or relatives can also provide parents with a lot of information. Parents should keep updating their knowledge also because researches on depression are continuously happening. Only if parents keep abreast of the new findings, they will be able to protect their children from the problem of teen depression.
Recognizing Signs Of Teen Depression
If parents are well-informed, they can easily recognize the symptoms of teen depression. In general, teens affected by this problem may like to remain isolated. So, they may over-sleep or will always remain confined to their rooms. This is for avoiding interaction with others.
In some teens, this problem may trigger inattentiveness and so, they may not concentrate on what is taught in their classrooms. They may therefore perform poorly in their studies. They may not do their assignments properly and on time and due to this, they may earn the displeasure of their teachers. Since they may loathe participation in extra curricular activities like sports, fun-activities, etc., their friends may also distance themselves from these teens.
If the teens have been affected seriously, they may take to habits like smoking, consumption of alcohol or drugs, etc. These habits may worsen their mental as well as physical health.
Parents should recognize these symptoms and take timely steps for treating their children for teen depression.
Treatment Options
Parents should consult with a good psychologist or psychiatrist for treating their teens. These doctors alone can decide the course of treatment that can be effective for the teens. The general treatment options available are administering appropriate medicines including anti-depressants, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and a combination of both.
Other Steps Parents Should Take
Apart from getting their teens treated by competent doctors, parents should adopt a supportive approach for handling their children with teen depression. Generally, children need to be loved and these children may need more attention. So, parents should spend a lot of time with these children. These children need reassurance that their parents love them unconditionally and will continue to support them whatever may be their shortcomings.
Parents should speak only positive things to these children and should encourage and motivate them to indulge in physical and social activities. These children should be encouraged to interact socially also so that the factors that contribute to their anxiety and depression are kept at bay.
If parents make all possible efforts to encourage and support these children, these teens will be relieved of their teen depression problem very quickly.