· Encourage the positive – studies have shown that exercise and healthful eating are useful tools in managing stress and combatting depression. Persuade your teen to socialize with good friends, play sports, and participate in extracurricular activities – anything that will keep your teen busy and provide a positive sense of identity.
· Seek professional treatment. Most teens find the idea of seeing a therapist embarrassing and frightening. Find a therapist that has extensive experience working with teens, who knows how to relate to them and make teenagers feel comfortable.
No teen should ever have to feel depressed or unhappy, but sometimes it happens. When it does, your teenager needs you. Talk to them. They may not be verbalizing “please help me” but I assure you, that is what they want. When a teenager with depression is handled properly and immedialty, the benefits for everyone involved are long lasting.
Evan Kroll, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in Teaneck, New Jersey. He specializes in therapy for teens, young adults, and families. Dr. Kroll is a certified Marijuana and Alcohol Treatment Specialist. He consults to yeshivas, schools, and camps about teen’s at-risk, substance use and behavior disorders. He lectures in a wide range of settings about psychology in the schools, parenting, and social development. To contact Dr. Kroll, please call 201-357-2825 or visit www.evankroll.com.
