October is recognized as Depression Awareness Month
Depression can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. It is a serious mental illness which may include any of the following signs and symptoms:
Continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, emptiness
Fatigue, lack of energy
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Anxiety, irritability, restlessness
Feeling worthless or guilty
Loss of interest or joy in hobbies and activities
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Poor school performance
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions
Unexplained aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide or self-harm behaviors
To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. While depression is one of the most common and treatable mental disorders, there is no "one-size-fits-all" treatment. Finding the treatment that works best for an individual may take trial and error. In addition to clinical treatments, healthy lifestyle habits can help.
Here are some tips for communicating with and helping a teen who has depression:
Use a gentle but persistent approach: Depression can be difficult to talk about. Don’t give up if your teen shuts you out at first. Emphasize your concern and willingness to listen. If they won’t open up, consider turning to a third party such as a school counselor or mental health professional.
Focus on listening: Resist the urge to lecture, criticize, pass judgement, or ask a lot of questions. Simply acknowledging feelings can help them feel supported and understood.
Encourage social connection: Set aside time each day to talk with your teen face to face without distractions or trying to multi-task. Encourage them to go out with friends or invite friends over. Suggest activities that cater to your teen’s interests and talents. Help your teen find a volunteer cause to support as doing things for others can provide a sense of purpose.
Prioritize physical health: Encourage exercise and plenty of sleep. Setting limits on screen time can boost physical activity and face to face time with others. Provide nutritious, balanced meals.