Depression in a child (teenager) 10-17 years old: expert advice

Adolescence is a complex stage of life, which is accompanied by a variety of physical, psychological and social changes. It is during this period that hormonal changes in the body occur, and as a result of natural physiological processes, some mental changes occur. Some girls and boys experience adolescence without much stress or turmoil, but there are also those who develop mental disorders under the influence of unfavorable internal and external factors. Symptoms of depression can vary widely between children and adolescents. The main task of parents is to detect the problem in time and take all measures to correct it. Untreated teenage depression is highly treatable. In the future, the child can live a happy, fulfilling life.

Depression in a child (adolescent) – what is it?

The word "depression" comes from the Latin deprimo - "to crush", "to suppress".
Depression in a child (adolescent) is characterized by depressed or depressed mood, reluctance to have fun, pessimism, sleep disturbances, and sometimes suicidal tendencies. Children between the ages of 10 and 17 experience various emotional upheavals: a quarrel with a close friend, conflicts in the family, failure at school, failures with the opposite sex. In addition, many are dissatisfied with their appearance (acne or “unfashionable” clothes, appearance that does not meet “beauty standards”), which also negatively affects the psychological situation.

The situation is aggravated by hormonal changes in the body: for some children they pass without a trace, and for some teenagers it is another storm of emotions that must be overcome.

Signs of childhood depression:

In the hustle and bustle of workdays, parents do not always have time to fully communicate with their children. But you can notice a negative attitude in a short period of time. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

decreased interest in favorite activities (studies or hobbies)
sleep disturbance (for example, cannot fall asleep for a long time in the evening or wakes up several times during the night)
weight change (gaining extra pounds or losing weight)
state of increased fatigue
loss of appetite, prolonged refusal to eat
feelings of guilt or shame
absent-minded, unable to concentrate on a specific task
reluctance to communicate with anyone
thoughts of suicide

During the day, symptoms may not appear immediately, but gradually: the teenager wakes up in a good mood, has breakfast, and is happy to get ready for school. When faced with difficulties in class or communicating with peers, he begins to fill himself with negative emotions. Often there is a fixation on one’s experiences, a withdrawal into oneself; When he comes home, he may sit motionless, look at one point, and refuse to eat. At such moments, teenagers often complain about others, criticize any situation, notice only the negative side, without seeing the positive notes.

A thought settles in his head (I’m ugly/fat/boring/I have no friends/nobody loves me/nobody needs me), which accompanies him throughout his depressed state. Constantly thinking about this, he cannot fall asleep peacefully, which leads to sleep disturbance.

Depression in children is accompanied by a sudden surge of good mood - the child is happy, jokes, and communicates. But an hour later he sits again, tired, sad, dissatisfied.

Combating childhood depressive disorders

In order to find the right way to help a teenager get out of depression, psychologists recommend the following:

Do not blame the child for depression, avoiding the development of feelings of guilt in him. A very common mistake is the wrong tone of conversation, which instills fear. This is how the teenager feels that adults consider his mood to be false and feigned.
Show trust using the phrases “I trust you”, “I am confident in you”. This kind of beginning of a conversation presupposes openness of the conversation and instills confidence in one’s own capabilities.
In no case should you talk about teenage depression as a topic for a talk show or as one of the invented problems. This can provoke children to be secretive and unwilling to continue the dialogue.
During the conversation, it is important to provide a few real-life examples to make clear the seriousness of the perception of depression and concern for the child's condition.
The conversation should be held regularly; this is not a one-time event carried out for the sake of formality. It cannot be assumed that depression has been eliminated after one successful conversation, therefore, no matter how difficult it is for both parties, it is necessary to repeat discussions on this topic again and again to preserve the mental and physical health of the younger generation.
From time to time it is necessary to raise the topic of development and formation of adolescents, mentioning depression. This is important for understanding what is happening to a teenager, since a heap of new prospects has fallen on him (especially during the period of graduation).

If you follow these recommendations, you can pause in your search for ways to get a teenager out and how to cope with his bad mood. It is especially important in any conversation with the younger generation to avoid “sharp corners” - painful topics that they are not currently ready to discuss.

When communicating with a depressed teenager, parents are often unsure of their abilities, whether this is beneficial and whether they can count on the results of verbal influence. Children are sensitive to the emotions of loved ones, so such timidity can harm and even cause the opposite effect.
How to get your child out of depression? Talk to him regularly, with conviction, firmly believing in your own rightness.

Causes of depression in children and adolescents:

Depression in a child never occurs out of nowhere. There are always prerequisites for such a state. Most likely, the teenager was faced with a stressful situation, and due to his age, was unable to properly accept and survive it. And this is quite enough for a fragile child’s psyche.

The main reasons include:

Hormonal changes are a “turbulent” and lengthy process. The maturation of the reproductive system is accompanied by high emotional stress: irritation, melancholy or increased anxiety. As a rule, this period passes after 2-4 years. During this time, accumulated stress can easily develop into a serious disorder.
The realities of the adult world - he comes to understand that the world that he saw with children's eyes is not so kind and cloudless, but is full of cruelty and injustice.
Youthful maximalism - a teenager feels that he is being ignored, not seen and not noticed. Everything is divided into black and white, bad and good. Against this background, conflicts arise with parents and teachers.
Family conflicts - children react sharply to quarrels between parents, have a hard time with divorce or a difficult financial situation. It’s hard if he constantly hears criticism of himself or parents’ dissatisfaction related to poor performance at school.
Lack of friends. The most important thing for a teenager is communication with peers, a communication environment, and the opportunity to share common interests with friends. In adolescence, emotional emancipation from parents occurs: if previously the child shared his experiences with his parents, now he can close himself off and not talk about the events of the day and his experiences. In general, this is normal for a teenager, but it is important to find a place where this exchange of emotions can take place. A teenager is looking for emotional contact with peers, and if such contact was not found, there was no acceptance in the team, no establishment of friendships - for a teenager this is very painful and traumatic. He feels unnecessary and unsuccessful.
“Unideal” appearance – teenagers tend to worry that they don’t look like everyone else, are overweight (in their opinion), or that skin problems will turn the whole world against them. Failure to meet the notorious “beauty standards” or the standards accepted in a particular group (for example, it is necessary to be athletic or dress in branded clothes) can result in a teenager being ridiculed by the group, low self-esteem, anorexia and, ultimately, depression.
Frequent moves - separation from the established team and its usual comfort zone - unsettled. Having arrived in a new place, a teenager faces difficulties in communicating and creating new connections, which of course affects his condition.
Bullying in schools - teenagers often show unjustified cruelty, which leaves its mark on the psyche.
Addiction to the Internet and computer games - in the virtual world it is easy and simple to be successful, in the real world it is much more difficult.
Increased loads - some children have a hard time with the school curriculum. And many parents insist on attending additional classes and clubs, believing that this is only beneficial. This rhythm of life creates an additional stressful situation that not everyone can handle.
Unrequited love or the first unsuccessful sexual experience - experiences in such a state take up a lot of energy, and there is often no one and nowhere to share your experiences and receive support.

Teenage depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug addiction, self-loathing, even violence or suicide. But there are many ways parents, teachers and friends can help cope with depression. There are many misconceptions about teenage depression. During adolescence, many children are quite aggressive, difficult to communicate with, they are rebellious and want to be independent. Teenagers often have mood swings and are sad. But depression is something else. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager's personality, causing overwhelming feelings of sadness, despair or anger. The incidence of teenage depression is increasing around the world, and we are increasingly aware of this when we look at our children or their friends. Depression hits a teenager's psyche far more often than most people realize. And while teen depression is highly treatable, experts say only one in five cases of depression get help for teens. Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek help on their own, teenagers typically have to rely on parents, teachers, and caregivers to recognize depression and get the treatment they need. So if you have teenage children, it's important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you notice symptoms. Symptoms of Teenage Depression Teenagers face a lot of pressure from adults, ranging from school grades to mom and dad's control. And at this time, a hormonal storm takes place in their body, which makes the teenager’s psyche even more vulnerable and fragile than before. During adolescence, children begin to fiercely defend their independence. For them, it can be a drama that an adult would only smile sadly at it. Because adults are used to seeing teenagers often in an agitated state, it is not always easy for them to distinguish between depression and the whims and mood swings inherent in teenagers. If you notice these symptoms in your teen, they are likely depressed. Signs of depression in teenagers

Sadness or hopelessness for a long time
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Tearfulness
Abandonment of friends and family
Loss of interest in any activity
Loss of appetite and poor sleep
Anxiety and excitement
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts about death or suicide

If you are not sure that your teenager is depressed, consult a psychologist with him. The Difference Between Adolescent and Adult Depression Depression in adolescents can be significantly different from depression in adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teens than in adults: Irritability, anger, or mood swings—as noted above, it is irritability, rather than the sadness common in adults, that is often prevalent in depressed teens. A depressed teen may be grumpy, hostile, easily upset, or prone to angry outbursts. Unexplained pain – Depressed teens often complain of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomach pain. If a thorough physical examination does not reveal a medical cause for these pains, it may indicate depression. Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens suffer from feelings of inadequacy, which makes them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection and failure. This becomes a particularly serious problem at school when a child's performance declines sharply. Withdrawing into oneself, withdrawing from people (but not everyone). While adults tend to withdraw when they are depressed, teenagers tend to maintain friendships but limit those friendships to a select few. However, teens with depression may socialize much less than before, stop interacting with their parents much, or start going out with other people. Negative Impacts of Teen Depression The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond melancholic moods.
Many instances of unhealthy behavior or aggressive attitudes in teenagers are actually signs of depression. Below are some ways that teenagers can show adults that they are depressed. They act this way not out of harm, but in an attempt to cope with emotional pain. Problems at school. Depression can lead to loss of energy and difficulty concentrating. At school, this can lead to poor attendance, arguments in classes, or frustration with schoolwork, even for children who previously did very well. Run away from home. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are a cry for help. Drugs and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” depression. Unfortunately, these methods lead to irreparable consequences. Low self-esteem. Depression can provoke and intensify feelings of helplessness, shame, and give a feeling of the meaninglessness of life. Internet addiction. Teenagers may go online to escape their problems. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed. Desperate, reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous activities (such as mugging a passerby on the street) or take desperate risks, such as dangerous driving. Violence. Some depressed teenagers (usually boys who are victims of aggression) become aggressive. Self-hatred and the desire to die can develop into violence and rage towards others. Teenage depression is associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders. Tips for Talking to a Depressed Teen
Offer Support Let your depressed teen know that you will do anything for them completely and unconditionally. You shouldn't ask him a lot of questions (teenagers don't like to feel in control), but make it clear that you are ready to provide your child with any support. Be gentle, but persistent. Don't give up if your child closes off from you first. Talking about depression can be a very difficult test for teenagers. Consider your child's comfort level in the conversation while emphasizing your concern for his condition and your willingness to listen. Listen to a teenager without moralizing A teenager always resists an adult's desire to criticize or condemn as soon as he starts to say something. The important thing is that your child communicates with you. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or ultimatums. Just acknowledge your child's problems Don't try to tell teenagers that depression is stupid, even if their feelings or problems seem really stupid or irrational to you. Just acknowledge the pain and sadness they feel. If you don't do this, they will understand that you don't take their emotions seriously. Methods for diagnosing teenage depression Depression is very destructive to the fragile psyche of a teenager if it is not treated, so you should not wait and hope that the symptoms will disappear on their own. Seek professional help. Be prepared to tell the doctor about your child's depression symptoms, including how long they last, how they affect your child's daily activities, and any symptoms that concern you. You should also tell your doctor about relatives who suffered from depression or any other mental disorder. If there are no health problems that are causing your teen's depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in child and adolescent psychology. Depression in teens can be a challenging condition, especially when it comes to treatment. No one can perform a miracle on your child. You will need to work with the symptoms of depression for an extended period of time. If your child feels uncomfortable visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral to another professional who may be a better fit for your child. Don't Rely on Medicines Alone There are several treatment options for depression in teens, including individual therapy or group sessions. There is also a method of family therapy. Medicines come last, and this is only part of a comprehensive treatment, not a panacea. Any type of psychological therapy is often good for treating mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants should be used as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan in more severe cases. Unfortunately, some parents believe that antidepressants are the only way to cure their child. This is far from true; any treatment is individual and may vary depending on the results. In severe cases of depression, medications can help relieve symptoms. However, antidepressants are not always the best treatment option. They can have side effects such as addiction, sleep disturbances, increased fatigue and drowsiness. It is important to weigh all the risks before starting to prescribe antidepressants. Supporting Your Teen as a Treatment for Depression The most important thing you can do for your child is to let him know that you will always have his back. Now more than ever, your teen needs to know that you value, love, and care about them. Be patient. Living with a depressed teenager in the same house is not an easy task. From time to time you may experience fatigue, despair, a desire to quit, or any other negative emotion. During this difficult time, it is important to remember that your child will definitely recover, you are already working on it. Your teen is suffering too, so it's best to be patient and understanding. Encourage physical activity. Encourage your teen when they play sports or do yoga. Exercise can help relieve symptoms of depression, so find ways to keep your teen physically active. Something as simple as walking the dog or riding a bike can be helpful. Encourage social activity. Isolation only makes your teen depressed, so encourage him when he wants to spend time with friends or you. Participate in treatment. Make sure your teen follows all instructions and the doctor's instructions and does everything on time and completely. This is especially important when your child takes prescription medications. Monitor changes in your child's condition and contact your doctor if you think your child's symptoms are getting worse. Learn more about depression. If you don't know much about the course of this condition, you need to read more about depression and then you too will become an expert. The more you know, the better you can help your depressed teen. Encourage your teen to learn more about depression too. Reading non-fiction books can help teens feel like they are not alone and give them a better understanding of what they are going through. The road to restoring your teen's mental health can be a long one, so be patient. Enjoy small victories and don't worry about failures. Most importantly, don't judge yourself or compare your families to others. You are doing everything possible to rid your teenager of depression, and he is trying with you. How can parents help teenagers overcome depression? When raising a teenager, avoid punishment and humiliation. Try to reinforce in his memory the positive aspects of good behavior. Constant punishment and humiliation can make a child feel inferior and worthless. Allow your child to make mistakes. Excessive guardianship over him and making decisions for him will turn the child into an insecure person. Give your child a sense of freedom. He can't always do what you want. Do not force your child to follow your example and follow in your footsteps through life. Don't try to turn your child into your younger self. If you see that your child is depressed, take time to talk to him and listen to him. Even if this problem seems insignificant from your point of view, remember that at the age of a child, it may seem like the end of the world. Don't discount his experiences! Try to avoid moralizing. Instead, listen to your child, you may be able to better understand the reasons for his emotional problems.

Some signs of potential depression in a teenager:

Feeling of emptiness and meaninglessness – a teenager can study well, lead a normal life, but still feel empty. There is no understanding of why he lives; everything seems monotonous and uninteresting to him.
"I do not want anything" . Lack of interests, lack of desire to communicate, make friends, apathy.
“No one needs me” - the feeling of being not needed by anyone becomes driven. Having fallen under the influence of a stronger comrade, the disorder only intensifies.
Emotional swings. Sudden changes in mood, prolonged bad mood can be replaced by fits of rage and aggression, and then passivity and self-deprecation.
Conversations about death and suicide. If a teenager has become interested in the topic of death and suicide, it is important to pay attention to this in time. A teenager may use phrases such as “there is no point in living”, “we will all die anyway”, “I don’t see the point...”.
Pointless actions, fixation - fixation on a useless activity, for example, constant presence on social networks (regularly updating the “feed”, in anticipation of new meaningless information).
Drastic changes - a teenager dramatically changes his social behavior, changes his appearance (dye his hair, piercing). Changes may concern lifestyle, interests, social circle and worldview.
“Always successful” - these are children who “bend themselves out of their way” to achieve positive results and achieve success. But behind the screen of a “successful teenager” is a child who hides his true experiences. Often such achievements do not bring moral satisfaction and are accompanied by a strong fear of disappointing parents.

Each individual item may not necessarily be a sign of depression, but a combination of signs and/or clearly expressed manifestations may be a cause for concern and referral to a specialist.

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Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Signs of depression in adolescents can be divided into 3 large groups:

changes in mood;
behavior change;
physiological changes.

Based on this, the following symptoms of depressive disorder can be identified:

Apathy. The child becomes absolutely indifferent to everything. He is not happy with his previous interests and hobbies; sometimes it becomes difficult to even get out of bed. Motivation and interest in learning disappear, and academic performance decreases.
Psychosomatic pain. There are absolutely any localization: head, abdominal, muscle, joint.
General depression, melancholy, which does not go away for a long time.
Forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, decreased performance.
Unmotivated anxiety, worries.
Sleep problems. At night it is difficult for a child to fall asleep, and during the day he is overcome by drowsiness.
Changes in appearance. The teenager stops caring about what he looks like. A child may walk around in dirty clothes for a long time, not comb his hair, and ignore basic hygiene procedures.
Eating disorder. It manifests itself as a complete loss of appetite, anorexia, bulimia, or, on the contrary, problem eating, insatiable appetite.
Interest in alcohol, cigarettes, drugs. If a child has older friends, they can buy alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances and treat them to the teenager, who, in turn, will not refuse the offer in order to gain a certain status in the team.
Irritability, causticity in communication. The child behaves aggressively with parents and teachers, refuses to listen, talk, withdraws into himself, and does bad things.
Emotional swings.
Talking about death, suicide. If a child becomes interested in the topic of death, suicide, and begins to constantly use the phrases “I don’t see the point in life,” “we’ll all die anyway,” “I can’t do this anymore,” parents should be wary and pay attention to this.

Types of depression:

Reactive – considered a benign type of disorder. This condition is typical for teenagers who have experienced severe emotional shock. For example: parental divorce or death of a loved one.

Melancholic – characterized by a state of depression and melancholy, interest in everything is lost, often sits in one’s room in one position or moves slowly (lethargy). Against the background of these symptoms, sleep and appetite disturbances develop. For girls, disruptions in the menstrual cycle are common. Suicidal thoughts may be added to prolonged melancholy.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by rapid changes in phases, sometimes in short periods of time. The younger the age, the shorter the phases and can range from several hours to 2-3 weeks. Mania manifests itself in the form of aggression and anger. Psychologists may not notice bipolar disorder, citing “adolescent character changes,” so it is recommended to involve a specialist with a narrower profile (clinical psychologist, psychiatrist).

Dysthymia is a long-term mental disorder that usually lasts for a year, possibly several years. The child appears passive and lonely and cannot concentrate on completing a specific task. May be accompanied by sleep disturbances and loss of appetite. This disease often becomes chronic and is occasionally interrupted by mood changes.

Severe (major) depression is protracted. Lasts from six months to 9 months. The teenager is sad and irritable, he is not interested in anything. Symptoms may not be obvious, for example sleep disturbance: the parent refers to fatigue and workload. Some children begin to “eat up” this condition with large portions of food. This is the moment that should alert you. The situation is aggravated by thoughts, in some cases, suicide attempts.

You should pay special attention if you increasingly hear references to death and suicide, for example:

Reads poems and stories about suicide, or has started writing on this topic himself
Romanticizes death and the dying person.
Jokes about death
Says goodbye to family and friends as if for the last time
Frequent injuries and cuts
You hear the phrases: “It would be better if I died,” or “Why was I born?” or "There is no way out"

In this case, you need to act immediately and find a specialist to provide assistance as soon as possible.

What should parents do?

The family atmosphere is very important for the formation of the child’s psyche. Parents will always pay attention to their child’s unusual behavior. But what exactly should you do if you have problems with your studies or school friends?

If you notice signs of depression, experts advise the following:

Talk in a comfortable environment for him. Try to find out what exactly caused the concern and this result.
Help strengthen his self-esteem. Show him how important and meaningful he is to you and those around you.
Find out about his hobbies, what he is interested in, what he does while you are at work.
Limit custody, make him feel that you trust him.
Give him the right to choose, don’t decide everything for him.
Try not to criticize, but to direct them to the right action.
Avoid high-pitched conversations, try not to conflict.
Find a common interest - this could be an evening walk together, or riding bicycles, or playing football. Attend master classes: draw and create.

Psychologists advise finding as many common points as possible. It is important for a child to feel supported and cared for. But do not forget that increased guardianship will only harm and complicate the situation.

Always sincerely say that you love, appreciate and respect him. Warm and trusting relationships in the family are the key to good mental health of all its members.

If you understand that the situation is beyond your control, do not delay visiting a specialist.

How to choose a psychotherapist or psychologist for a teenager

When we need a specialist, we often turn to our friends with a request to recommend a good one, for example, a hairdresser. This approach also works for doctors, massage therapists, manicurists, and so on. But if you need a psychotherapist, then you should not rely only on the experience of your friends.

There is no need to strive to get an appointment with eminent specialists with a bunch of diplomas. When choosing a psychologist for a teenager, you should pay attention to the following points :

There are no universal psychotherapists. Each specialist has a specific set of techniques and methods suitable for specific areas of psychotherapy. If a psychologist helped one person cope with depression, then it is not a fact that with his help another will be able to get rid of, for example, alcohol addiction. When working with adolescents, it is necessary to take into account the mental and physiological characteristics characteristic of adolescence. That is why you need to choose not just a good psychotherapist, but a specialist who works with difficult children.
Emotional contact is important. For psychotherapy to be successful, it is important that trusting contact be established between the psychologist and the teenager. You may have to visit several specialists to find “your” doctor among them.
You should not go to see a psychologist if one of your child’s friends goes to him. Most likely, the teenager will not be able to be completely frank with him. No assurances of confidentiality will help if a teenager sees his enemy or offender in front of the office.

Today, an appointment with a psychotherapist can take place both in a regular format and online. If a child flatly refuses to go to the clinic, then you can persuade him to talk to a specialist right from his room.

Almost all practicing psychotherapists have their own online resources, where you can find out all the professional information about them and make an appointment in any format.

Treatment of depression

Depression in children and adolescents is a serious illness that requires consultation with a specialist. Parents must understand that only they can help their child by recognizing the characteristic signs. You shouldn’t leave things to chance; it’s better to keep everything under control, following the advice of a specialist.

The mild form lends itself to counseling treatment: this can be individual work with a psychologist or visiting a psychological group. Severe cases (for example, suicide attempts) require a more serious, medicinal approach. In such cases, a psychologist and a psychiatrist often work in pairs, complementing each other.

Usually the first specialist you need to turn to for help is a psychologist. During the conversation, he helps to understand the cause of the disease. It will help you find out what emotions and feelings accompany a teenager. Using different techniques, the specialist will be able to explain what fears and doubts have settled in the child’s head. There is a possibility that after communicating with a psychologist, he himself will find ways to solve the problem and get out of this state.

A psychologist will help you cope with mild forms of the disease. If the situation is complex, then you will need additional help from a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

A psychotherapist is a doctor who helps patients cope with mental illness. The treatment regimen contains psychotherapeutic techniques in combination with drug treatment.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor conducts a conversation with the patient, during which he assesses his condition. Diagnostics helps to establish the exact disease that accompanies the teenager, as well as determine the method of treatment.

If the protracted nature of the disease is revealed, then conversations alone will not be enough. Antidepressants can be added to treatment, which will relieve symptoms of anxiety and apathy, help eliminate irritability and cope with fears.

Take care of yourself

It is extremely important that you don't neglect your physical and mental health because it will determine whether you can cope emotionally with all the difficulties.

Don't accumulate your emotions. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and helpless from time to time. Chat with friends and talk about how you feel.

Avoid just one emotional state - guilt. Self-flagellation will not lead to anything good and will also add an additional level of stress.

And to understand your child more, you can read some of the following books:

"Teenage Depression" by Douglas Riley.
“Our uncontrollable teenagers”, Alexey Bulgakov.
“Aggressive teenager”, Tatyana Avdulova.
“Psychology of adolescence”, Tatyana Avdulova.

We sincerely hope that you will need this article only for general development. But in any case, we wish you good luck!

We also recommend reading:

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How to Prevent Stress and Depression from Tony Robbins
Development of communication skills in children
Positive therapy for children
How to protect your child from smoking
Munchausen syndrome
Poor memory: what to do?
Everything is bad! What to do?
Post-traumatic stress disorder: briefly about the most important things
A Guide to Relieving Depression and Apathy
Overcoming spiritual depression

Key words:1Psychoregulation

"Empathy" - studio of practical psychology

Children and teenagers with various emotional problems come to Empathy. We help them overcome difficulties. To do this, our team has specialists who have been working with children and adults for 17 years, helping to deal with internal problems.

Adolescence is a period of personality development. And our task is to help the child not go astray. We help teenagers and parents find and maintain the harmony in which everyone can live and develop comfortably.

“Empathy” runs psychological groups for teenagers, where kids can share important experiences, get support and feedback, learn how to build relationships with peers and find friends. Here a teenager can share his problems, and we will help him understand and understand himself. In this format of communication, support, respect and trust in peers are formed, and the prerequisites for the development of depression in a child go away by themselves.

Of course, we cannot talk about a universal panacea, but psychological work in a group is obviously a prevention of depression; if necessary, we also refer the teenager and parents to specialists with a more specialized profile. You can read about how to invite your child to participate in a psychological group here.

If you are faced with misunderstanding within your family, or have discovered signs of depression in a child, contact us for help. We are waiting for you at the Studio of Practical Psychology “Empathy”.

Features of treatment for a depressed teenager

Treatment of teenage depression with medications

Adaptol. Quite often, parents who have discovered depression in their child complain about aggressive sedatives. Their psychologically difficult teenager, after taking such medications, simply sleeps and does not react to anything. However, a drug such as Adaptol does not have such serious consequences for the body of children. This remedy should be taken three times a day for the time indicated by the attending physician.

Glycine

The announced drug will help improve the child’s memory, which is so important for his further development. A medicine of a similar pharmacological group is quite cheap, so it will not significantly affect the family budget.

Tenoten for children

After consulting with a specialist, you can try giving your child this drug (not to be confused with the analogue Tenoten, since it is approved for people over 18 years of age). It calms the overexcited psyche, giving your beloved child the opportunity to take a sober look at what is happening. It also helps you concentrate and study better without causing drowsiness or lethargy.

Important! The help of a psychotherapist when a child has teenage depression is often simply necessary. However, giving a sedative on the advice of a wise neighbor in this case is strictly prohibited.

Advice from psychologists for treating teenage depression

Positive example method. In this case, the image of the honest Pavlik Morozov is unlikely to be suitable, but there are many heroes who are worth focusing on. To lift a teenager out of depression, you need to show him his peers who have achieved a lot at a young age. In no case should you draw a parallel, which can only aggravate the children's inferiority complex. Strong-willed adults will always command respect from even the most desperate teenager. This method always works if you use it wisely.

Family help

During a difficult period for a teenager, it is very important for him to feel the support of loved ones. Nothing can replace the warmth of their parents’ hearts for a child, although at the same time he will pretend to be indifferent

Therefore, it is necessary to surround the teenager with maximum care in order to bring him out of depression.

Increased self-esteem. For this, working with a psychologist, body correction (a subscription to a cool gym will help not only restore the correct proportions, but also increase your rating among peers), and contacting a cosmetologist, etc.

Well-organized leisure time. An active teenager will have no time to mope if he is passionate about something. In this case, you should listen to the child’s preferences. You should absolutely not force him to do something he doesn’t like. Playing the violin is simply wonderful, but making Paganini out of a born athlete is very risky for the child’s psyche.

Folk remedies in the fight against depression in adolescents

Ginseng infusion
. In this case, take the roots and leaves of this plant and pour a glass of boiling water. This healing extract must be infused for an hour. After this, you need to give the problem teenager a tablespoon of it three times a day.
Mint tea
. Taking this plant is an excellent calming procedure. You should drink it exclusively on an empty stomach in the morning to achieve maximum results. It is prepared according to the same principle as ginseng infusion.
Warm baths with herbs
. Everyone knows that nothing relaxes a person more than a tonic water procedure. In this case, pine needles will be very useful if a kilogram of such raw materials is poured with 3 liters of boiling water. Then it is recommended to add this infusion to the bath that the child will take.
Treating depression with tasty foods
. The joy hormone is very often produced precisely when taking such things. People don’t give bad advice when they recommend introducing everything healthy, but at the same time tasty, into a teenager’s diet. However, precautions should be taken so as not to cause an allergic reaction and not harm the teenager’s stomach.