Speaking of Teens
#53: How To Best Support Your Teen or Tween Through Their Depression
Even if your teen has never suffered in the past and isn’t currently suffering from depression, you need to educate yourself on this very serious topic.
Because the risk is so great and the statistics for teen depression and associated harms are currently so high, you simply can’t take a chance. Depression in teens can escalate way too fast and when we’re desperate, we tend to not make great decisions.
We simply don’t have the luxury these days of assuming our kids are going to be okay. The risks associated with teen depression are as devastating as they get. And the statistics are such that it appears more girls and gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens are depressed than aren’t.
This week’s episode is the second in a series on teen depression. In episode #51, we talked about the myths, the truths and signs and symptoms of teen depression. Today, we’re talking about what you can do if you suspect your teen is suffering from depression and how you can support them.
I make this show just for you so if you have any feedback regarding this episode or any others or would like to suggest a future show, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me anytime at 864-313-7277 or acoleman@neurogility.com.
Access transcript here.
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Sources, Resources and Mentions:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
Episodes 15, 16 and 22 of Speaking of Teens
What to do if you think your teenager is depressed (Child Mind Institute)
Understand more about what they're going through (Family Aware)
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Depression: Parents' Medication Guide
Child and Adolescent Depression: A Review of Theories, Evaluation Instruments, Prevention Programs, and Treatments (Frontiers in Psychology)
What not to say to a depressed teenager and what to say instead (Parenting for Brain)
You might be interested in one or more of the following FREE GUIDES:
“10 Keys to Unlock Your Teen’s Emotional Intelligence”
“The Challenging Adolescent Brain” (e-book)
“Emotional Awareness Strategies” (for parents)
“Why Doesn’t My Teen Sleep?” (e-book)
“Communication for Teen Cooperation”
“6 Things You Should Understand About Your Teen”