A Note From The Santa Monica Family Therapist
Teen depression is on the increase, affecting one out of every 20 teenagers. – Sandra
What should a parent do if they learn their teen is depressed?
According to Mark Tyrrell, “What we are seeing are changes in society where the basic needs for companionship, healthy goals, responsibility, connection to others and life-meaning are not being automatically met.”
Instead, teens are being exposed to marketing images designed to show us how we are supposed to look, sound and be, and told that this is important in life. “Meaning is then attached to what they have, or look like, rather than who they are, their natural talents, inclinations, achievements and character.”
During the teenage years, the pressure to conform with their peers can be incredibly strong. If kids feel different, inadequate or deprived in some way, then depression may be the result.
Situational vs. Clinical Depression
It is important for parents to make a distinction between situational depression: which is a normal reaction to stressful situations or losses, and clinical depression: believed to be caused by disordered brain biochemistry and not related to external situations. Regardless of the cause, it can be beneficial for teens to work through these periods with help from a trained professional.
“The idea that one must be, and look, endlessly cheerful is a destructive and daunting expectation for teens. In actuality, it is perfectly normal to experience “the blues,” just as it is perfectly normal to experience joy and bliss.” Dr. Andrew Weil feels that kids need to learn that happiness is not some end point to be achieved, but rather something that occurs in moments… and that more effective goals are to seek a sense of peace and contentment through the ups and downs, learn how to see and accept life as is, and find ways to respond appropriately to each situation.
Emotional well-being means learning how to find resilience, contentment, comfort, and serenity among the various expressions of one’s moods.
Worried About Your Teen? FREE Parent Consultation
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
For more information, please visit my website:
SandraDupontMFT.com
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor
Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.
