Nobody likes to think that their teenage children are struggling with depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, though, these are things that, as a parent, you will need to be mindful of. Depression and anxiety are very commonplace, but when it comes to you noticing it in teenagers, it can be difficult. Kids will rarely have a strong understanding of all of the complicated emotions that they may have swirling around their heads. Your child may not realize quite why they feel the way that they do, and they will find it even harder to talk about it.
As a parent, you will no doubt, want to care for them and make the depression and anxiety go away. It is essential to understand that while depression and anxiety can be brought under control, it may never actually leave them. It will be far better that you provide an open and understanding ear. Your kids will appreciate your being available for them should they need your assistance as they learn to cope with mental illness.
Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety In Teens
Spotting the symptoms of depression and anxiety can be hard in our children. Many of the characteristics and synonymous with puberty. There may be times that they lash out irritably, or it could cause them to withdraw into themselves. And into the world of social media. This distraction from their current feelings can become a compulsion for many. For many teenagers, depression and anxiety may lead to eating disorders or self-harm.
Getting Treatment
For many minor instances of depression and anxiety, this can be managed with self-care. This will involve a combination of different techniques, such as utilizing breathing techniques and meditation to help with calmness.
Exercising regularly is essential in the fight against anxiety and depression as it helps to create feel-good endorphins that will combat the chemicals that cause negative feelings.
When there are other problems linked to your child’s depression, you may need to seek out a specialist. You may require advice on self-harm, eating disorders, and teen internet addiction treatment. These can be complicated areas for a parent to handle on their own, and it is vital that you try and listen and understand your child without judging them.
A visit to your doctor may help in terms of getting your child referred to a suitable therapist for treatment. This may include talking therapy, as well as cognitive behavior therapy, which seeks to reset the way that we deal with certain situations in our lives.
Offering Support
You must show your child love, support, and understanding throughout the worst stages of their depression. It is not their fault that they feel the way that they do, and they may have little control over their behaviors. Being prescriptive by telling them what they need to do or what they should be doing will not help them in this situation. Instead, talk it through with them and allow them the opportunity to take their treatment journey into their own hands.
This post was written as a contributed post. Contributed posts are written by another party who may wish to be anonymous. Further, all posts are edited and formatted by Elizabeth Ghekiere. Want to guest post for ElizabethJournals? Learn more here.
