Teen Talk: Talking About Depression
It is common for teens and young adults to have mental health conditions. In fact, fifty percent of all mental illnesses develop by age 14. “Depression among kids and teens has unfortunately become more common over the years and the COVID-19 crisis has only increased this. The structure of their days has disappeared, and they no longer have access to social interactions and extracurricular activities they enjoy. The ongoing isolation, inconsistency, and lack of emotional support can lead to a child developing depression or increasing already present depressive symptoms. Many youth don’t know how to express their feelings or they may not have healthy coping skills to rely on. This can lead to them feeling alone and hopeless.” Morgan Goulet, LMFT, Clinical Trainer, Phoenix House California.
Symptoms of depression
Each person who experiences depression may not experience it the same way. Depression can start for different reasons and can cause people to feel different things. However, there are common symptoms people living with depression may have.
Common Depression Symptoms:
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of energy
- Lack of interest in activities
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Changes in physical movement
- Physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
PHCA outpatient services for teens
Phoenix House California helps teens live happier and healthier lives. To learn more about our outpatient services for teens contact our Lake View Terrace Outpatient, Prevention & Wrap-Around program.
(818) 686-3000
11600 Eldridge Avenue
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
PHCA mobile service for Orange County, CA teens
YOU AND is an interactive mobile application created to restore and preserve social and emotional wellness for Orange County youth. By completing lessons offered within the app, students will learn how to maintain and increase resiliency during COVID-19 and times of social stress. To learn more about YOU AND visit: https://youandapp.org/.
Supporting others
Communicating with someone who is struggling is a great way to support them. Here are tips that can help you identify when a person in your life may be going through a hard time. These tips will also help you learn how to start conversations with them and what you should say.
Source: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults/How-to-Help-a-Friend
Disclaimer: THIS article DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Sources
Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
How to Help a Friend. (n.d.). Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults/How-to-Help-a-Friend
Teens & Young Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2020, from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults