The good news is that if your teen is suffering from depression, there are plenty of places where you can get help with this serious issue. Doctors are an excellent resource for depression in teens. There are many good counselors and psychiatrists with experience treating depression in teens.
Depression in Teens is a Confusing Experience
Adult depression and teen depression are essentially the same thing. The main difference is that the teen mind has not yet fully developed. This has a couple of consequences to be considered. One is that the teens’ minds are more susceptible to permanent damage if depression in teens goes untreated. The second is that the teen mind does not know how to properly cope with extreme, long-term sadness. An adult may be self-aware enough to realize their situation and to know logically that things will improve at some point, even though it doesn’t seem possible. Many teens are not yet developed enough to understand or see long-term pictures.
Further complicating things is that most parents feel helpless and unable to do anything for their depressed teens. They may be too shut out of the child’s life to see the sadness, but they will see the moodiness and sleep issues and know something is not right. For example, many depressed teens will suddenly get grumpy, become apathetic, or isolate themselves. It is not unusual for depression in teens to manifest itself in an eating disorder.
The Seriousness of Depression in Teens
It is very important to get immediate help for any teen you suspect may be suffering from depression. In the short-term, depression will often lead your teen to be miserable, fall behind in school, and to withdrawal from social experiences. Long-term, untreated depression in teens will often manifest itself in much more serious problems such as drug abuse, crime, suicide, and poor health.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #1
Fish oil supplements. These can be an effective anti-depressant. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been found to suppress feelings of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids can help the brain replenish its supply of DHA fatty acids, which are needed to keep the brain healthy.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #2
B vitamins and folic acid. According to research, the B vitamins are another natural cure for depression. Research has discovered folic acid deficiencies in adults who have depression. Low folic acid levels can cause one to experience bouts of depression. Additionally, low folic acid levels can slow your body’s response to depression medications.
How To Deal With Depression Tip #3
Exercise. A good workout can help alleviate depression. Exercise acts as a mood enhancer. Exercise can enhance the effects of depression medications by helping the body absorb medications better. And exercise encourages the production of endorphins, the “happy mood” chemical.