Online Counseling for Teens & Pre-Teens Anxiety & Depression Therapy in New Jersey
Online Counseling for Teens & Pre-Teens Anxiety & Depression Therapy in New Jersey
"I don't care anymore."
"I just want to be alone."
"I feel so tired all the time."
"I'm not good enough."
"I can't concentrate."
"I'm just a burden to everyone."
"Nothing matters.":
"I'm so sad all the time."
"I don't want to be here anymore."
"I don't see the point in anything."
"Nothing makes me happy."
"I don't want to get out of bed."
It won't always be like this! Depression can make it difficult for your teen to enjoy life and engage in activities they once loved. It can be scary and very serious but it is a treatable condition, and early intervention is crucial. With guidance and support, your teen can identify negative self-talk, develop self-compassion, and improve their relationships with others.
Depression can show up in different ways for teens. Common signs include persistent sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, fatigue or low energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. *For male teens excessive anger or irritability is a more common symptom than sadness or hopelessness.
If you notice these signs in your teen, it's important to seek professional help.
Teens may engage in self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or traumatic experiences. It can be a way to express feelings that they find hard to put into words, to feel a sense of control, or to distract themselves from emotional pain. Self-harm is often a sign that a teen needs help managing their emotions and finding healthier coping mechanisms.
If you discover your teen is self-harming, approach the situation with compassion and concern rather than anger or judgment. Encourage open communication, seek professional help, and ensure they know you're there to support them. Support also looks like removing access to any items they use for self-harm.
Treatment for dperession often includes the following: 1. Therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT), 2. Medication (like antidepressants), and 3. Lifestyle changes (such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep).
A mental health professional can help tailor a treatment plan to your teen's specific needs. Family support and involvement in the treatment process are also crucial. If safety becomes an issue higher level of care options can be discussed with your teen's therapist.
Choose a calm, private time to talk and express your concerns without judgment. Use "I" statements to express your feelings, such as "I’ve noticed you seem really sad lately, and I’m worried about you." Listen to them without interrupting and validate their feelings. Encourage them to share their thoughts Be patient and understanding, and avoid minimizing their feelings. Educate yourself about depression to better understand what they are going through. Regularly check in with them and assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength. Let them know you are there to support them unconditionally.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.