how many teenagers suffer from depression?

How Many Teenagers Suffer From Depression?

When you think about teenagers, you might picture laughter, busy school schedules, or afternoons spent with friends. But behind the scenes, many teens are quietly struggling with their mental health. One of the most pressing issues today is depression among young people.

So, how many teenagers suffer from depression? The numbers are a bit sobering. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 17% of U.S. teenagers (ages 12–17) experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That’s about 1 in 5 teens. Even more concerning, studies show that depression rates among teens have been steadily rising over the past decade.

But statistics only tell part of the story. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean, what you can look out for, and how you can help. Keep reading to learn more.

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anger management exercises | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

7 Anger Management Exercises That Actually Work

Anger is a perfectly normal emotion. In fact, it can even be useful. It lets us know when something feels unfair, unsafe, or just plain wrong. The issue comes when anger takes the driver’s seat and we’re left reacting in ways that we later regret. Snapping at your partner, yelling at the kids, or sending that email a little too quickly… sound familiar?

The good news: anger doesn’t have to control you. Like any other emotion, it’s something you can learn to notice, understand, and manage in healthier ways. That’s where anger management exercises come in. Think of it as tools for your emotional toolbox- strategies that you can pull out in the moment to keep your cool.

Let’s talk about seven anger management exercises that actually work in everyday life. Keep reading to learn more.

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unmotivated depressed teen | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

How to Motivate a Depressed Teenager

Parenting a teenager can still be challenging on the best of days. But when your teen is struggling with depression, it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield- unsure of what to say, how to help, or how to motivate them. You might notice your once happy teen withdrawing, skipping activities they used to enjoy, or losing interest in school. This can absolutely be heartbreaking and frustrating. But the good news is there is hope in your family’s future, and your support matters more than you think.

Keep reading to learn what you can do to help motivate your depressed teenager.

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depressed teenager | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

My Teenager is Depressed: What to Know and How to Help

As a parent, few things are more difficult than watching your child struggle or suffer. When your teenager is showing signs of depression, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. You may find yourself questioning if it’s “just a phase,” wondering what you did wrong, or simply just feeling helpless. If you’re reading this because you suspect your teen is depressed, or they’ve already been diagnosed, know that you are not alone, and there is hope.

Keep reading to learn more about teenage depression and how you can help.

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happy teenage girls sitting together | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

Self Esteem for Teenage Girls- Practical Advice for Parents

Being a parent to a teenager can be tricky, and some may have the opinion that a teenage girl is even trickier (but also pretty magical, right?) Self esteem is a fundamental aspect of any persons growth. Self esteem in a teenage girl shapes their mental health, physical health, friendships, and aspirations. According to the CDC, teenage girls are experiencing higher levels of sadness, alcohol use, and violence compared to teenage boys.

Navigating the world of social media, peer expectations, and societal norms can be pretty tough when you don’t even have a fully developed prefrontal lobe yet.

Strengthening self esteem is key to helping teen girls make it through adolescence with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. Keep reading to learn more.

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teenagers making new friends | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

How to Help Your Teenager Make Friends: Practical Tips

When you’re a teenager, friendships play an integral role in your development. Friendships can influence your self-esteem, social skills, interests, and emotional resilience. Unfortunately, making friends isn’t always easy- especially during those formidable awkward years!

In this day and age with social media and other time consuming electronics, social interactions can be even trickier. If your teen is struggling to connect with their peers, there are things you can do to help support them.

Keep reading to learn how to assist your teenager in making meaningful friendships.

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wife upset with husband

I Don’t Like My Husband Anymore: What Now?

Marriage can sometimes be romanticized as a never ending state of bliss, love, and connection. The reality is that a marriage is constantly evolving, ebbing, and flowing.  Occasionally, this evolution can bring up some uncomfortable thoughts like “I don’t like my husband anymore.”

So, what now? You woke up one morning, poured yourself a cup of coffee, gazed out the window, and realized… you don’t like the man you slept next to last night. Know this- you are not alone! You are not the first or last person to have had these thoughts. It’s extremely common to have phases of dissatisfaction throughout your marriage. Identifying these feelings are the first steps of getting to the root causes. Finding those root causes are crucial to repairing your marriage.

In this blog post, we will explore why you may be feeling this way, how to approach it, and if there is hope for your relationship moving forwards. Keep reading to learn more.

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angry teen | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

Anger Management for Teens: What Can You Do?

During the teenage years, life can feel particularly overwhelming and confusing. Teens are faced with changes in hormones, new social pressures, peer pressure, academic pressures, and the process of figuring out their personal identity.

During these emotional, formative years, it makes sense that anger could often build up and bubble over. The prefrontal cortex is simple not fully developed in teenagers, making it harder to process emotions effectively. However, when it gets serious and is left unmanaged, it can lead to damaged relationships, harmful behaviors, and even long term emotional and physical problems.

In this post, we’ll explore anger management for teens and how you can help.

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rebellious teen acting out and screaming | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

Teenager Acting Out? Here’s How to Manage

Ah, the blissful teenage years. You remember being one, don’t you? It’s time full of identity crisis, emotional rollercoasters, physical and physiological changes.

For some, raising teenagers can be one of the more challenging phases of parenthood. Since adolescents go through so many changes at this time, it’s not uncommon to feel like your child is “acting out” as they navigate their shifting identity and growing independence.

By understanding the root causes of your teen’s behavior and employing thoughtful strategies, you can better support your teen through this turbulent time. Keep reading to learn a few tips.

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depressed teenager laying in bed | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

How to Get Your Depressed Teenager Out of Bed

Getting a depressed teenager out of bed can feel like a monumental task. It can be a challenging and emotional experience for both the teen and their loved ones. Depression often brings with it a profound sense of fatigue, hopelessness, and lack of motivation, making even simple tasks like getting up in the morning feel overwhelming.

However, with patience, understanding, and practical strategies, you can help your teenager take those first steps toward regaining their daily routine and mental health. Keep reading to learn more.

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