It’s possible that the current state of unpredictability is contributing to the increased rates of adolescent depression in today’s world.
Due to the epidemic, our teens are going through an extremely tough era filled with uncertainty about the future, what with schools being shuttered, sports being banned, and many other limitations being put in place.
We’re worried about our kids, but what can we do?
Many of you are calling, and the most common thing you say is something along the lines of, “My kid is shut in the room and does not want to go out anymore, will it be teenage depression?”
Prior to diagnosing our children with “teenage depression,” we must first get insight into their emotional condition and the best ways to avoid and assist them.
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How to Know When Your Kids Need Help?
First, though, I’ll go over a short list of depressed moods that, when present for more than two weeks, might point to depression as the underlying cause.
- a sudden disinterest in previously enjoyed activities;
- a significant weight gain or loss;
- a steady decline in grades and involvement in extracurriculars;
- an unusual sadness or irritability even during periods of greater “freedom” granted;
- a sluggishness;
- feelings of worthlessness and despair;
- very severe self-criticism (“I’m not worth it, I’m not good, I’ll never make friends, there’s no future
- suicidal ideas or behavior that persists.
Scary as it may be, adolescent depression is on the rise, particularly among young people whose social lives have been disrupted by the rise of isolation and post-cocaine norms19.
Knowing and accepting that this is a serious illness is crucial, since early intervention increases the likelihood that recovery will occur rapidly. Like many other health issues nowadays, it may now be effectively treated.
10 Ways To Fight Teenage Depression
Physical, emotional, and mental changes occur simultaneously throughout adolescence. The teenager is through a period of transition during which he “loses” the part he played as a kid in a secure and comfortable environment and comes to know himself in a new world populated by novel settings and significant others.
We don’t mean that “he loses permanently the parental figures as a point of reference” or that “he no longer cares about his parents,” but rather that separation is an inevitable part of the enormous process of building, experimenting with, and above all discovering one’s own self.
Here’s 10 other ways you can help your teen;
- Foster times and places at home when kids may open up to one another without fear of reprimand or criticism.
- Don’t stop at “I’m unwell because there is the coronavirus,” but go further into their meaning. Don’t interrupt or attempt to “lighten” their mood until they specifically ask for your input.
- Try to set a good example. Don’t exaggerate the severity of the issue or get obsessed with TV shows that focus only on fatalities and outbreaks.
- Instill in your children an understanding that life is full of ups and downs.
- You may also use personal anecdotes, such as the time you started middle school or high school and had no idea what to expect, only to find out the hard way.
- Tell them that the best they can do is to take each day as it comes right now.
- Relationships with friends are crucial: CAD (distance learning) is an online program designed to accompany children for 4 weeks, during which they must complete some tasks with specific objectives in favor of people who need their help.
- Suggest to your children that they create a different connection with them, for example through weekly “challenges” like the ones we offer in CAD (distance learning);
- Keeping Busy: Not only can regular exercise prevent and cure teenage depression, but it’s also essential for keeping kids motivated.
- Make a schedule full of things to do; there are many online classes to help you develop new skills and hobbies, from robotics to DJing to cosmetics application.
- If you want to get some extra cash, you may also have family and friends help you out with some light housework. Teens are motivated by monetary prizes, which they may use to buy things they really want.
Teenagers are so wrapped up in their own internal monologues that they often forget that there are other people in the world, so it’s important to take time to reflect on the blessings in your life.
Children’s attitudes may be influenced by parents’ demonstrations of thankfulness.
Make cooking a family affair and encourage healthy eating.
Restrict sugary treats to once per week; it has been shown that eating sugar might cause a temporary “up,” followed by a severe “down” when the body’s insulin levels return to normal.
Try going to the movies with your teen and taking an interest in what they’re researching online; technology is a terrific tool for getting to know your adolescent’s passions.
Golden moments need not be extensive in duration; even ten minutes a day may be spent in close proximity to one another is creating golden moments.
Our Takeaway
Questions like “Who am I?” are common starting points for this journey. Asking oneself, “How do I relate to the world around me?” When asked, “What do I want to become?” and he’ll feel a wide range of emotions, some of which may need him to deal with challenges like enduring irritation or uncertainty, or becoming irrationally angry.
Finally, keep in mind that raising a child is the greatest challenge and thrill you’ll ever experience. Be the kind of parents you’d want your children to grow up to be.
