How Counseling Helps Kids And Teens With Depression
Does your child experience depression?
It’s really cold outside and I hope that you are inside bundled up under a blanket! With cold weather often comes to the winter blues… DEPRESSION.
Depression can be a very scary word to hear, especially if it comes from your child. As a counselor that works with kids, tweens, and teens and who runs a teen therapy group, I want to share with you signs of depression. Hoping that parents can learn how to support their kids with depression.
Below are symptoms associated with depression that your teen may be experiencing:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- A low mood. Your teen may respond by saying “I feel blah or nothing”
- Feelings of worthlessness
- A lack of desire to have fun or engage in fun like activities
- Withdrawal from peers
- Negative thoughts. The thoughts may include harming oneself
- Irregular changes in appetite. Maybe overeating and having a limited desire to eat.
I find that when parents are more aware and educated they can become a stronger and healthier vessel of support for their child.
Ways To Help Your Child With Depression
1. Kids Feel Better With Validation.
Imagine if your child came home and had a red hat on. Your child looks at you and says, my hat is red. You respond and say YES, it is red. Validating how your child feels can promote a healthier relationship. One that allows your child to feel open to sharing their emotional struggles and proud moments.
Next time your child shares something emotional, work to provide validation. Your child will feel heard and understood.
2. Practicing coping skills to help your child with depression
Coping skills can provide aid when your child is struggling with depression. Exercise, writing down thoughts, practicing positive talk, and reframing statements are all healthy coping skills that your child can use to manage their depression.
3. Words of kindness help kids reduce depression symptoms.
Practicing praise can help your child manage their emotional difficulties. Examples of praise include:
- I appreciate all the effort you put into school.
- You’re so smart all your hard work is paying off.
- Thank you for the letter you wrote. I’m going to put it on the fridge.
- I am so thankful to be your parent.
- Your willingness to help makes me so happy.
I think something special and supportive parents can do is to aid their child in mutually practicing coping skills. This can be accomplished by taking your teen for a walk, going to the gym, or reflecting on positive moments in life such as accomplishments noted in the family album.
If your child is struggling with depression, they may find therapy helpful. Contact Santos Counseling PLLC by calling 336-707-1723 or email [email protected]
Common ways counseling helps kids, tweens, and teens:
- Understanding their emotional difficulties
- Actually, learn how to implement skills to manage their mood
- Learn how to build healthy habits and positive relationships
- Gain skill in understanding to reduce negative behaviors like manipulation, guilt or lethargy
If you are unsure if your child is experiencing depression or struggling with emotional difficulties, please contact Santos Counseling PLLC by email. We are happy to discuss your concerns about your child and hopefully lead you in the right direction.
Positive Mindfulness Journal For Kids
Helping Kids With Anxiety, Depression, and Practicing Gratitude
The kid’s mindfulness journal helps your child learn how to express their feelings and thoughts in a positive and constructive way. The perfect therapy journal for kids that want to improve their self-confidence, self-esteem, and manage anxiety and depression. The anxiety and depression journal for kids was created by a Licensed Counselor and input from all of the kids he has worked with.
