Eva Carlston Academy is making a difference in the lives of adolescent girls struggling with differences. Operating in several home-like settings in the greater Salt Lake City area, the therapeutic model of Eva Carlston is quite unique, and quite effective according to reviews by parents. In the following we get some important information from Eva Carlston about depression in teens.
Differentiating between the normal moodiness of a teen and signs of depression can be difficult.
But there are ways to effectively recognize the signs of teen depression so you can help formulate a recovery plan or find a way to manage their symptoms.
Understanding Teen Depression
Receiving a diagnosis of anxiety and depression increases in teenagers ages 12-15, and the number of reports continues to climb every year. Understanding the symptoms and causes can help you to recognize how they are feeling.
According to Eva Carlston Academy, symptoms can look different in teens than they do in adults. The following signs and symptoms can indicate your teen is experiencing depression and not just a wave of teenage angst. Some of these signs may deviate from how you expect depression to manifest.
- Irritability or anger. Sudden irritability or outbursts of anger commonly replace the expected symptoms of sadness. Depressed teenagers can often become prone to bouts of feeling grumpy, hostile, becoming easily frustrated, or acting out in anger.
- Body aches and pains. Is your teen consistently complaining of unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or other bodily pains a physical exam was unable to find a cause for? These aches and pains can be a sign of depression.
- Increased sensitivity. Depressed teens can be vulnerable to criticism, rejection, or failure as they experience severe feelings of worthlessness.
- Selective withdrawing. Adults have a tendency to withdraw when they are depressed, but teens may only withdraw from family, certain friends or activities, or begin hanging out with new people.
How to Help
Eva Carlston notes that untreated depression can have devastating lasting effects, so don’t wait in the hopes that the symptoms will go away on their own. If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing, talking to them about it is the first step. Create a space for open dialogue, free of judgment. Be ready to listen before deciding how to help.
Communication is Key
Resist the urge to criticize their thoughts or behaviors. This may encourage them to feel lectured, thus stopping them from having an honest conversation with you about their experience. Use active listening and reassure them they are not a burden for talking to you or having these feelings.
Do not try to minimize their feelings by saying things like “It could be worse” if you don’t understand why your child feels the way they do. Eva Carlston Academy notes that simply acknowledging how they feel will go a long way in helping them feel supported and understood.
They may struggle to express their feelings. Be gentle but persistent. Respect your child’s boundaries but do not drop the subject, even if it takes several tries before they begin to open up. Trust your instinct if they continue to dismiss their behavior as nothing. You can try to find someone they will talk to even if it isn’t you at first.
Encourage Connection
Isolation will increase the symptoms of depression even if your child believes withdrawing will make them feel better. Having a support system of close friends and family will combat the desire for isolation. Encourage them to go out with friends or have them come over.
Activities like sports, after school, clubs, or volunteering are a great way to keep them engaged in their hobbies or interests. Your teenager may lack the enthusiasm or energy at first, but motivating them to get involved can help them reconnect with others and increase the chance for more good days.
Try to reduce daily time spent on social media. Social media can be a great outlet or way to connect but doesn’t replace important face-to-face interaction. Encourage them to take breaks from their phone or laptop while they are focusing on work or participating in family time.
Know When it is Time to Seek Help
Support and a healthy lifestyle are not always enough. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with a mental health professional to explore options for getting help for your teen. Not every treatment method works for everyone, but you must discuss potential treatment plans with your teen and a professional before deciding.
Listen to your teen during this process. If they have certain preferences or feel uncomfortable or unable to connect with their therapist or psychiatrist, help them find someone who better suits their needs.
According to Eva Carlston Academy reviews, staying involved and remain understanding with your teenager through this process is important. Finding the right treatment plan can be time consuming and difficult, but it’s crucial to remain optimistic. Remember to celebrate all the victories on the road to recovery and never compare your teen’s journey to that of another teenager.
The Bottom Line
You probably know your teen better than anyone else. If you think they may be struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to talk to them about it and how you can help.
Anyone can suffer from depression. You must emphasize your support and understanding. You may not get more than a shrug sometimes, but your words can make a huge difference in their recovery.
