TIPS FOR PARENTS/tEENS AND DEPRESSION

Is Your Teen Battling Depression....freedigitalphotos.net

• As a parent of teenagers in this generation, it is so important to know the signs to look for that can signify depression.  Most parents know their children and know the things they enjoy and their personality.  If you don't know these things then this is an area then you know this is an area you need to work on.  In this day and time, teens have so many things on their mind that many of us did not have to deal with coming up as children.  Teens today have to toil with stress in school, that includes passing state examinations to be promoted and graduate from high school.  They have the pressure from peers trying to expose them to sex, drugs, bullying, social media bullying, gangs and of course skipping school which now leads to truancy.  Many teens today are trying so hard and want to fit in with the crowd that they fall into many temptations that lead to trouble.  Many are confused and are battling with their sexuality as a growing teen and more are participating in same sex involvement. Many parents are not aware of their teens sexual preference, which leads to more stress because they are hiding their secret.  This not only could lead to stress from the outside world but now they are stressed out because they have violated rules in the home that are contrary to their upbringing.  This in turn brings about guilt, embarrassment and shame.  Some may become rebellious and continue with the negative behaviors.  If you are experiencing behavioral problems with your teen or noticing any of the symptoms below you may want to seek professional help because they could be suffering from depression.  The signs of depression in teens may include:
• Increased Anger and Irritability, Sadness, Crying, Sensitive
• Unable to focus on anything
• Lack of interest in most things
• Feeling hopeless/suicidal
  
• Isolation/ Staying in the room with the door closed
• No longer enjoying things they use to (sports, cheer leading etc.)
• No longer wanting to associate with friends
• Avoiding spending time with family
  
• Grades dropping/Truancy issues
• Complaining about headaches or other physical ailments
• Attempting to runaway
• Poor eating habits
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse (smoking marijuana or any other drugs)
• Self Mutilation (Cutting)

National Suicide Hotline: 800-SUICIDE
National Runaway Switchboard: 800-621-4000
America's Pregnancy Helpline: 888-672-2296
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
CDC National AID/HIV/STD Hotline: 800-342-2437 (English)
800-227-8922 (English/Spanish)
800-COCAINE
(24 hours)
Cocaine/Crack Helpline
Referrals to treatment programs
800-347-8998
Cocaine Anonymous
International Referral Line. Find a local meeting.
800-766-6779
Marijuana Anonymous

Article by: Chikeitha Owens Licensed Professional Counselor Abundance of Hope Counseling
Contact: Chikeitha Owens LPC