How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety and Depression

Going through your teenage years is kind of like riding a rollercoaster- fast paced and full of twists, turns, highs, and lows. Especially in this day and age with social media, it’s not totally surprising that so many teens are feeling depressed and/or anxious. Teens also face many things like social pressures, academic pressures, comparisons, and family conflict.

As a parent or guardian, worrying about our teens is in our nature and can feel overwhelming. It’s crucial to be able to recognize signs of anxiety and depression so you can support your teenager when they need it most.

Keep reading to learn how to recognize when your teen is struggling and learn how you can help.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Why Your Teen May Be Anxious or Depressed
2. Warning Signs to Look For
3. Creating Open Communication
4. Ways to Support Your Teen
5. Treatment Options

Why Your Teen May Be Anxious or Depressed

Serval things may be contributing to your teens anxiety or depression. Not only are their bodies going through major physical changes, but there are a ton of emotional and physiological changes as well.

It may be difficult for you to understand why your teen is struggling, but try to remember what it was like when you were a teen. Chances are, you had a lot going on! Teens face enormous amount of things such as comparison issues, peer pressure, academic pressures, and self esteem issues.

Warning Signs to Look For

Here are some common signs of anxiety and depression to keep an eye out for:

• Persistent sadness
• Persistent irritability
• Reckless behavior
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Problems sleeping
• Problems concentrating
• Trouble with school or grades
• Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
• Inability to cope in stressful situations
• Panic attacks
• Substance use or abuse
• Chronic comparison/low self esteem
• Negative self talk
• Excessive worrying about the future
• Self Harm

Creating Open Communication

Communication is key! This can be tough, particularly with teenagers. They aren’t exactly known for being super open and forthcoming. You are going to need to be patient, loving, and understanding.

You might think some of the things your teen is experiencing are “silly” or “not that big of a deal”. Well, to your teen, it IS a big deal. Think about how you would feel if something was really bothering you and someone else rolled their eyes about it. Do your very best to let your teen know that you’re listening, you care, and you are here to help.

Your teen will greatly benefit from feeling like they are existing in a safe and open environment. So, how can you make that a reality? Start by showing interest in their life. Ask questions about their friends, interests, and school. Create a trusting two way communication so they feel comfortable talking to you about the harder things in their life. Open up about your own struggles and make sure they know they can always come to you if they are struggling.

Help them understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. And let them know that their feelings are not abnormal, many teens struggle with the same things.

Ways to Support Your Teen

There are many ways to support your teen and help them stay on a healthy, happy path.

One way you can do this is to encourage a healthy lifestyle. This can include things like eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising. Exercise has been proven to be very helpful in managing both anxiety and depression.

Encourage your teen to continue to participate in activities they love and help facilitate ways to do so. If they are feeling unmotivated, help them create small goals to meet each day. Praise them for the little things, use affirmations, and celebrate their achievements.

Another thing you can do is take away the stigma of mental health. Talk openly about depression and anxiety and help your teen understand that they are not broken beyond repair or wrong for feeling what they are feeling.

You can also encourage self care, encourage mindfulness, help them find new hobbies, and be a positive role model. Your teen watches you and understands more than you think they do, emulate the kind of person you want them to be!

Treatment Options

Depression and anxiety sometimes require professional intervention. Therapy can be extremely beneficial in both of these areas! A therapist can help find a treatment plan that is specific to your teen and their needs. This may also included medication if needed.

Final Thoughts on How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety and Depression

The teenage years can be equally as amazing as they are turbulent. It’s a time of change, pressures, self discovery, and growth. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Supporting a teenager with anxiety and depression requires, patience, understanding, and empathy. Communication is going to be vital in this circumstance- your teen needs to feel comfortable talking to you about how they are doing! Through cultivating a  trusting environment, encouraging dialogue, supporting your teen, and getting them help if needed, there can be hope and healing in their future!