Mental Health for Teens
Teen Depression Treatment
Top 21 Questions About Adolescent Depression Treatment Options
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Top 21 Questions About Adolescent Depression Treatment Options
Teen depression involves intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anger that last over a long period of time.
These feelings can make it difficult to complete daily functions and tasks. They can also make it hard to concentrate, focus, or find motivation.
Teen depression is a serious mental illness. If it goes without treatment, it can cause symptoms to worsen and make it difficult to enjoy life.
Teens deal with a lot when it comes to school, sports, friends, families, jobs, and other responsibilities. Often, depression can go overlooked because some symptoms are normal feelings and behaviors that teens experience.
What are the symptoms of depression specifically in teenagers?
If you or a loved one is experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, or call 911.
The Continuum of Care
Access a full range of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Whether you need a safe transitional living community, inpatient care, or outpatient therapy, we have a program to help.
We’re here to help. Even if Sandstone isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you find and take the next step to treat teen depression.
If you suspect you or a loved one could have depression, it is important to reach out to a trusted adult and receive professional help.
A trusted adult could be anyone from a parent, teacher, counselor, or anyone you feel comfortable talking to.
Teen depression can commonly co-occur with substance abuse. Some teens may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult feelings. By doing so, each disorder can begin to worsen the symptoms of the other, even if it provides temporary relief.
Teen depression is a common and treatable mental illness.
According to the NIH, in 2020, about 2.9 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year.
Therapy Treatments
We deliver evidence-based therapy treatment for teens in a number of areas. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions.
Mood disorders involve consistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and a fluctuation between extreme feelings of happiness and extreme feelings of sadness.
According to MentalHealth.gov, depression is one of the most common mood disorders, along with bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
Personality disorders involve patterns of behavior, feelings, and thinking that can interfere with someone’s daily life and cause problems at work, school, and personal or social relationships.
Common personality disorders include antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.
Talking to a trusted adult can help teens get the support and the help they need.
Often, teens may not know how to communicate their feelings and suppress them until they get worse.
Having a strong support network makes all the difference in treating teen mental health illnesses. Age-specific treatment involves building a supportive peer network and also involves the whole family.
Spending quality time with family and friends can provide a healthy distraction from difficult feelings and give people a chance to be open and communicative. Sometimes, people need a reminder that they are not alone and have people who care for them.
Being outside while doing these things can help relieve stress and give you a breath of fresh air.
By engaging in physical activity, your brain releases chemicals, such as endorphins, which can help you feel better. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and eating healthy foods can also impact your mental health.
Many teenagers may struggle with a lack of sleep due to homework, stress, video games, and social media. A lack of sleep can cause issues in teens related to concentration, poor grades, and worsened anxiety or depression.
According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 49.5 percent of adolescents ages 13 to 18 had any mental disorder. Mental disorders are common in teens and young adults, which is why it is so important to reach out and get support.
According to MedlinePlus, teen depression can be caused by several different factors. This can include; genetics, brain biology, hormones, and traumatic or stressful life events.
The teen brain is going through major development.
Certain parts of the brain are responsible for functions such as; impulse control, decision making, planning, and prioritizing. Because these skills are still developing in teens and young adults, it can make them more likely to engage in risky behaviors and make them more vulnerable to stress.
Anxiety and depression are both stress-related mental disorders. Teens also need a lot of sleep, and many don’t get a sufficient amount.
A lack of sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating, increased impulsivity, and an increase in irritability and depression.
Teen depression treatment typically involves psychotherapy or medicine, or both.
Examples of talk therapy include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy.
The amount of time it takes to treat teen depression is unique to each individual.
What is the most effective treatment for adolescent depression?
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is commonly prescribed for teen and adolescent depression.
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, involves seeing a therapist, a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor. Talk therapy typically happens with a licensed, trained mental health professional in an individual or group setting.
Talk therapy allows teens and young adults to share their emotions and feelings. The NIH explains how talk therapy helps people identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe medication along with therapy.
There are a few antidepressants that have been studied and proved to help teens.
Depression treatment at Sandstone Care is designed specifically for teens by involving family therapy, fun and experiential treatment, vocational and academic support, co-occurring disorder treatment, and establishing a strong support network.
Each person’s treatment is individualized to fit their own needs.
It is understood that the causes of depression and mental health disorders are unique to each teen. With that being said, treatment is designed specifically for each person.
The goal of teenage depression treatments is to help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression so that life can become more enjoyable.
Treatment helps teens identify problems, learn healthy coping mechanisms and skills, and apply them to the “real world.”
Teenage depression treatment aims to help teens and their family members heal.
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There are a few antidepressants that may be prescribed for teen depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat depression.
According to the NIH, fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, and escitalopram are common antidepressants for adolescents.
If your teen is experiencing mood swings, you can start by understanding and recognizing what may be going on in their life.
Try not to assume things or automatically try to discipline them. This may worsen the situation and make your teen feel bad.
Opening up communication by spending quality time with your teen or checking in on them can show that you care and are there for them. It can also help you to learn more about them.
By talking with your teen, you can offer help, teach them new things, and reach out for professional support if needed.
On the other hand, sometimes teens are searching for more independence, so giving them space can allow them to have privacy and time to themselves. You can always let them know that you are there when they are ready and comfortable to come to you.
You can also encourage healthy habits by being a role model and promoting good eating and sleeping habits.
Parents can teach their teens to engage in healthy activities like going outside, taking care of themselves, and spending time with their family and friends.
General warning signs in teens and young adults with mental illness can include:
Some warning signs of mental illness in young adults can also be normal behavior that comes along with transitioning into adulthood.
If you suspect your teen is mentally ill, it is best to reach out to professional help to get a proper diagnosis.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association has treatment locators to help you find mental health treatment near you.
Sandstone Care provides mental health and teen depression treatment in Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland.
Sandstone Care also offers a virtual IOP program across Colorado and Maryland locations.
There is no cure for depression; however, many different treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms and lessen their impact on everyday life.
One natural remedy for anxiety and depression is getting physical exercise or simply moving your body.
Exercising releases endorphins, which can act as natural antidepressants.
Practicing healthy eating habits can also help anxiety and depression.
Keeping your blood sugar leveled can help manage mood swings, and some foods can also boost your serotonin naturally.
You can also avoid caffeine and other substances, which can contribute to symptoms of anxiety and make you feel worse.
It is important to consult with your doctor on whether or not your teen should take Prozac or other antidepressant medications.
Medication and treatment work differently for everyone, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Yes, depression is a serious mental illness.
The longer it goes without treatment, the worst it can get.
Depression is often overlooked in teens and young adults because of the misconception that it is just a phase or that “everyone gets sad sometimes.”
If a teen or young adult is sad in general and not just in specific situations, and it has been negatively impacting their everyday life for a long period of time, it is important to reach out for professional help.
We understand taking the first step is difficult. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. We are here to support you in any way we can.
