Finding ways to help your teen cope with depression and anxiety is hard. And it’s just one of the things as a parent that you’ll have to deal with more than likely as your child continues to age.
Most parents dread the day that their child becomes a teen. Maybe it’s because of the attitude or the fear that their little one isn’t actually “little” anymore…but regardless, the teenage years can be a hard time for parents to balance and understand. The reality of it is this: If parents are having a hard time dealing with the teenage years, just stop and think about how difficult it is for the actual teenager who is going through it.
Powering up and figuring out how to work together to help your teen cope is important. These simple tips and ideas can help!
How to Help Your Teen Cope With Depression and Anxiety
It’s never easy to help anyone cope with depression and anxiety but when it comes to your teen, there are steps that you can take to try and help.
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Open your ears and listen to them when they talk
Here’s the thing about teenagers…They might not just come out and say what’s bothering them. More than likely, you’re going to have to stop and really listen to what they’re trying to see. Look for body clues that show you something isn’t right. Slumped shoulders, inability to sit up, not wanting to join the family at dinner…all clues that something else could be going on.
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Don’t be afraid to let them speak their mind
So many times people are worried that their children are going to say something wrong and inappropriate. But guess what? In your house, it’s their safe space to be able to speak their mind about whatever is bothering them. Sometimes, the best way to get rid of ill feelings is to just get them out of your brain and mouth for others to hear.
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Relate to them about their feelings
This doesn’t mean that you need to take away the focus and put it on yourself, but try to do what you can to relate to what they’re going through. Talk to them about times in your life that you felt these same feelings and let them know that they’re not alone in those thoughts. While it may not take away those emotions, it can help them to feel that they aren’t alone and isolated in feeling that way.
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Don’t be afraid to seek outside help
Sometimes, there are times where your teenager needs to have additional outside help. When that happens, just know that it’s for the best. Your teenager is going through a time in their life where they need someone to help them, and the harsh realization is that it just might not be you.
Remember that no matter if it hurts you or your feelings, you are doing that needs to be done for the mental and emotional health of your child. Having them seek professional help just might be the best decision and choice that you’ve ever done for them. After all, the end result that you’re hoping for is to find a way to help them cope and manage their depression and anxiety. That’s what trained professionals are there for!
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Counseling Services in Atlanta area
There are many places and professionals around the Metro-Atlanta area that can help such as Ray of Hope Counseling Services. They offer therapy in Kennesaw and six other locations around Georgia, as well as online therapy, in order to make counseling easily accessible for everyone.
They have a staff that has diversified professional work backgrounds and experiences which allow them to treat a variety of issues across the lifespan and strive to help their clients meet their life challenges in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Always do what is best for your child. Finding a way to help your teen cope with depression and anxiety isn’t going to be easy, but it’s super important to do. The longer that you wait in getting them the help or assistance that they need, the more emotional issues that they may start to develop.
Be their rock and help guide them in finding ways to cope. While you may not realize the impact that you’re making on them right now, you’ll realize it down the road when you see those emotions and anxiety start to improve.
If you or someone you know may have thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at toll-free 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
Other parenting articles:
Parenting Tips For When Your Teen Starts Dating
Graduation Tips for Parents and Seniors
Tips for Parents With A Child Transitioning into Middle School
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