depressed boy being consoled by parent

Depression in Teenage Boys: What You Need to Know to Offer Support

The teenage years can be known as the moody years. Your sweet baby girl or boy has grown up and is now a teenager.

This change brings on a lot of changes for your teen personally, academically, and socially. Their body and brain are also going through several different hormonal and developmental changes.

While moodiness can be common during this time, if this lasts longer than a period of two weeks or more, it could be a sign of a larger issue at play like depression.

The best treatment option for depression is the proper treatment through a licensed and trained medical professional. Here’s what you need to know to offer support if your teen is showing signs of depression.

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Depression isn’t something that you can just take on for your teen. It’s also not something that will just go away all on its own. If your teen is struggling with depression, it’s important to take the time to listen to them and acknowledge their feelings. You may not completely understand what your teenager is going through, and that’s okay. Just make sure that you’re not dismissing their feelings because their feelings are real, personal, and valid, even if you don’t fully understand or relate to them. Taking the time to acknowledge how they feel can go a long way in showing your support.

Listen to Your Teen

As a parent, you want what’s best for your children. When something doesn’t feel right, you want things to go back to normal as soon as you can. But unfortunately, not all things can be fixed. You’re not solely responsible for your teen’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Make sure that you’re taking the time to actively listen to your teen. When they’re speaking to you, you shouldn’t be trying to figure out what you’re going to say next or trying to fix the items that they’re telling you. Listening can go a long way. Instead, just let your teen know that you’re there for them however they need you to show up to support them.

Encourage Them to Prioritize Their Sleep

Depression can cause a lot of changes in one’s daily life and routine. You can help your teen get ahead of this by helping them work to take care of themselves. Depression can cause someone to either not get enough sleep or to sleep too much. You can help your teen by encouraging them to prioritize their sleep. Teenagers need more sleep than adults since their bodies and brains are still developing. Teenagers should be aiming for at least 9-10 hours of sleep per night. Try to get your teen on a sleep schedule and routine so that they are getting enough rest and recovery time so their body and brain can perform to the best of their ability day in and day out.

    Encourage a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet

    Another way that you can help your teen who is struggling with depression is by encouraging a healthy diet. Similar to someone’s sleep schedule and routine, depression can cause changes in one’s eating habits. Someone may not feel hungry at all or start to binge on unhealthy foods that are full of sugars or fats. Helping your teen make healthy choices can make them a little more proactive over being reactive towards these changes that can occur. You can encourage your teen to go grocery shopping with you, meal prep their meals for the week ahead, and make smart choices when it comes to their nutrition needs throughout the day.

    Seek Additional Support

    One of the best ways you can show your support to your teen if they’re struggling with depression is by encouraging them to seek additional support. While there are certain lifestyle changes you can implement on your own end to help your teen, nothing can replace proper treatment from a licensed professional. If you’re interested in finding support to help your teen, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more about how teen counseling can be a great option for your teen.

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