How to get a high school student out of teenage depression

Depression in high school students is most often associated with a crisis of finding their place in life. “Why do I live?”, “What do I want to do?”, “Where do I go next?” – these are common questions that a teenager begins to ask himself. Some high school students experience a strong fear of growing up and a desire to run away from problems. The requirements of reality do not always correspond to the boy's or girl's own ideas. Often this is due to very high expectations, underestimation of external difficulties, unreasonable optimism or, conversely, pessimism. Failure to grow up also leads to teenage depression.

What causes teen depression?

The crisis of finding oneself, as a rule, is supplemented by a crisis of intimacy. The main activity through which a teenager learns the world, –  this  intimate personal communication. That is, a high school student wants to be heard and believed in the secrets of the same young man. But the last year of school takes away some of the space for close communication, because you have to intensively prepare for exams. When relationships with other people become superficial, boys and girls plunge into a state of psychological isolation, or loneliness. It sounds paradoxical, but even if a teenager has many friends, relatives, a loved one, he still feels cut off from the world. Certain health problems.

It's not easy for a high school student to admit depression.

It is not easy for a high school student to admit that depression is a fact. First, there is no culture of self-care in Ukrainian society. Secondly, the teenager wants to avoid labeling.  Depression in the mass consciousness is for some reason associated with "abnormality", the problems of the psychiatric camp.

Important questions about teen depression:

• how to recognize it;
• how parents can help.

How can parents recognize teen depression?

It's hard to describe in words how a depressed person feels. But there are common symptoms of teenage depression:

1. Your son/daughter is constantly irritated and upset.
2. Nothing brings them joy, and therefore they do not want to do anything.
3. Your son/daughter does not find inner balance – they repeat the opinion that they are superfluous, guilty, or wrong.
4. Your son/daughter sleeps too much or too little.
5. They have unexplained migraines or other physical problems.
6. You often observe reactions such as crying, sobbing in your son/daughter.
7. Your son/daughter is losing or gaining weight for no reason.
8. Your son/daughter is unable to concentrate. This causes their grades to drop.
9. Your son/daughter often brings up the subject of death or suicide.

How  to help if your child has teenage depression?

To help your child to cope with teen depression:

1. Encourage your son or daughter to spend time with other people, attend interesting events, parties.
2. Remind him, her that social media is even more disconnected from reality.
3. Search together for natural antidepressants for the body, go for walks, sports, family outings to the skating rink or skiing.
4. Initiate conversations about alcohol and drugs – they are helpless ways out of depression. Give a personal example. Don't be afraid to reveal what used to be a secret.
5. Create the conditions for a restful sleep of the child.
6. Digging deeper into teen depression.
7. Offer your support. If you know for sure that your child's depression is related to growing up and responsibility for the future, articulates that you are on his / her side and respect the choice of entering a specific specialty at a university, college, or the decision to prolong further education.

Support and a healthy lifestyle can help break a teenager's deadlock, but it's not always enough. If depression persists, see a specialist.

8. Include your child in finding the solution to the problem. Suggest psychotherapists or psychologists to him so that the teenager can choose for himself.

Also don't forget that:

Antidepressants – it's always a risk

Antidepressants have been developed and tested in adults, their effect on young people is not well understood. Some researchers claim that a drug like Prozac can interfere with normal brain activity and affect how the brain handles stress.

Antidepressants have side effects and sometimes cause suicidal thoughts. Young people are especially at risk during the first two months of taking antidepressants.

Take care of yourself and the rest of your family

If you, as a father/mother, direct all your energy towards your child in a state of depression, then most likely you are ignoring your own problems or the problems of other family members. It is very important not to forget about yourself.

Don't suppress your emotions

It's okay – feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry. Talking about how you feel will help you deal with these emotions. Don't suppress your despair.

Take care of your own health

Your child's stress is passed on to you too. Try to sleep well and find time for joy.

Be open with all your family members

Do not talk about your child's depression problem with your other children. If you hide this problem in a dark corridor, then their imagination will fill in the missing details at their discretion.

Read also: How to deal with depression after plastic surgery

Avoid playing blame

It's too easy to blame yourself or other family members for a teenager's depression, but that will only add to your stress. Depression arises from many factors, so not only loving people are responsible for the suffering of a young person.

You can help your child cope with teenage depression. Main – recognize it in time, support your son or daughter, and, if necessary, contact a specialist.