Depression in Teens: How Parents Can Help

Why Do Some Teens Feel Depressed?

Teens may become depressed for different reasons. There's no single cause. Genes, hormones, and life events can all play a role.

Some teens may be more sensitive to depression because of genes they inherit. Genes influence areas of the brain that affect mood and energy. Teens who feel depressed may have family members who have been depressed, too.

Hormone changes that happen with puberty can affect mood. Some teens are sensitive to hormone shifts that happen with seasonal changes in daylight. They may become depressed at the same time each year, in fall or winter, when daylight hours are shorter. This is called seasonal depression (or seasonal affective disorder).

Life events and personal events may play a role. Many teens have been through loss, family hardship, family conflict, or difficult health challenges. Some have lived with violence or faced trauma. These things don't always lead to depression. But they can — even when teens get good support and have plenty of inner strength.

No matter what plays a role in why teens become depressed, the right treatment can help them get better.

What Is the Treatment for Depression in Teens?

There are several evidence-based treatments that work for depression in teens. They include these types of talk therapy:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• attachment-based family therapy (ABFT)

Each of these therapies targets different aspects of depression. Therapists might use a few of these in a teen's treatment. The details of treatment depend on what the teen needs and how severe their symptoms are.

Therapists plan each teen's treatment after first doing a careful exam. They will talk with you and your teen to explain the treatment they recommend. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe medicines to help teens who are depressed.

How Does Therapy Help Teens Who Are Depressed?

Therapy helps teens explore and resolve their depression. In therapy, teens may learn to:

• feel understood and closer to others
• talk about their feelings, thoughts, and events that matter to them
• manage strong emotions and moods
• reduce harmful or risky behaviors
• regain energy and motivation
• improve their emotions, thoughts, and outlook
• learn and practice coping skills
• restore healthy family bonds or boundaries, as needed
• build on their inner strengths
• find hope and healing, increase their joy and optimism

What Should I Do if I Think My Teen Is Depressed?

If you think your teen might be depressed:

• Talk with them. Show extra love and support. Let them know you care and want to hear what they're going through. When they're depressed, many teens feel alone, distant, or unlovable. Small gestures of caring can help them feel less alone.
• Take them to see their doctor. Set up a visit with your teen's doctor or a mental health provider to check for depression. Medical providers also can check for other health or mental health issues that might be causing your teen's symptoms. They can explain what they (and you) can do to help your teen.