How to Prevent Depression in Teens: Tips for Parents

Teenage depression can be an extremely serious health concern that could possibly result in persistent emotional and physical distress. Although there is no sure way to avoid depression in teenage kids, you can do some simple ways that can help make a huge difference.

1. Give genuine support.
A good parent-child relationship could help prevent teenage depression. Written here are some tips to reinforcing your relationship with your child:

Set aside a certain time every day to talk.
Find out the issues, problems, and the things that excite or bother your teenage child.
Encourage your child to express what he or she truly feels.
Recognize your child's good deeds, even the little things. Give commendation for his or her strengths, be it in sports, relationships, music, academics, or other aspects.
Give constructive comments for the behaviour your child displays.
Get your teenage kid involved in preparing family meals; and eat together.
Respond to his or her anger with comforting words and gestures ,not anger also.
If your teenager does not like to talk, spend time in the same room in the house. Even if you are not talking, a real, motherly or fatherly character speaks a bunch of things.

2. Cultivate friendships and social networks.
Encourage your teenage kid to spend more time with friends and be involved in activities in school. Friendships and positive peer experiences could help prevent depression in teenagers. Taking part in activities or team sports could help too. It increases the self-esteem of your child and solidifies his or her support network. In addition, be aware of issues about early dating. Even simple romantic experiences, such as dating and flirting could present challenges for teenage kids, and may contribute to the symptoms of feelings of depression.

3. Monitor your child's media use.

Be wary of television shows and movies that show idealized characters or lives. If your child repeatedly quantifies himself or herself against impossible ideals, disappointment and depression could possibly follow. Repeated exposure to violent and negative movies or TV shows could also spark feelings of depression, perhaps by promoting a fearful or negative point of view of life.

4. Promote good sleep.

Sound sleep will help teenagers feel his or her best, both emotionally and physically. In a study, teenage kids whose parents carried out bedtime at 10 or earlier were less likely to experience depression compared to those who often went to bed at midnight or later. Aside from consistent bedtime, consider principles of a good sleep, such as lessening screen time just before sleeping and consistent bedtime routine. Also, always remember that the relationship between depression and sleep goes both ways. Regular lack of sleep will add to the risk of depression; and feelings of depression itself can make it more difficult for someone to have a sound sleep.

To learn more ways to help your teenager combat depression, visit Victorian Counselling and Psychological Services by checking out the provided link.