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1. Encourage social connection. Isolation only makes depression worse, so do what you can to help your teen stay connected. Encourage them to go out with friends, invite friends over, or participate in activities that involve other families.
Set aside time each day to talk when you're focused totally on your teen, without distractions. The act of connecting face to face can play a big role in reducing a teen's depression. Talking about depression will not make the situation worse. Promote volunteerism. Doing things for others is a powerful antidepressant and self-esteem booster. Help your teen find a cause they are interested in and that gives them a sense of purpose. 2. Make physical health a priority. Depression is exacerbated by inactivity, inadequate sleep, and poor nutrition. Unfortunately, teens are known for their unhealthy habits: staying up late, eating junk food, and spending hours on their phones and devices. Get your teen moving! Exercise is absolutely essential to mental health. Think outside the box: walking the dog, dancing, shooting hoops, going for a hike, riding bikes, skateboarding—as long as they're moving, it's beneficial. Set limits on screen time. Gently encourage your teen to take an occasional vacation from their devices or engage in family activities that don't involve screen time. Ensure your teen is getting adequate nutrition. Eating a lot of sugary, starchy foods, the quick “pick me up” of many depressed teens—will only have a negative effect on their mood and energy. Encourage plenty of sleep. Teens need more sleep than adults to function optimally—up to 9-10 hours per night. Make sure your teen isn't staying up until all hours at the expense of much-needed, mood-supporting rest. 3. Know when to seek professional help. Support and healthy lifestyle changes can make a world of difference for depressed teens, but it's not always enough. When depression is severe, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a mental health professional. |