{"id":37644,"date":"2021-02-27T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-27T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging4.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=37644"},"modified":"2021-12-12T21:28:46","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T02:28:46","slug":"facts-about-teen-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Myths About Teen Depression (And The Truth Parents Need to Know)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#How_Common_Is_Teen_Depression\" title=\"How Common Is Teen Depression?\">How Common Is Teen Depression?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#7_Myths_About_Teen_Depression\" title=\"7 Myths About Teen Depression\">7 Myths About Teen Depression<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_1_%E2%80%9CEverybody_Gets_Sad_Sometimes_Its_Completely_Normal%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 1: \u201cEverybody Gets Sad Sometimes! It\u2019s Completely Normal.\u201d\">Myth 1: \u201cEverybody Gets Sad Sometimes! It\u2019s Completely Normal.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_2_%E2%80%9CShe_Has_A_Good_Life_There_Is_No_Reason_For_Her_To_Be_Depressed%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 2: \u201cShe Has A Good Life, There Is No Reason For Her To Be Depressed.\u201d\">Myth 2: \u201cShe Has A Good Life, There Is No Reason For Her To Be Depressed.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_3_%E2%80%9CTeen_Depression_Affects_Boys_And_Girls_The_Same_Way%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 3: \u201cTeen Depression Affects Boys And Girls The Same Way.\u201d\">Myth 3: \u201cTeen Depression Affects Boys And Girls The Same Way.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_4_%E2%80%9CHes_Just_Being_Lazy%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 4: \u201cHe\u2019s Just Being Lazy.\u201d\">Myth 4: \u201cHe\u2019s Just Being Lazy.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_5_%E2%80%9CDepression_Is_Easy_To_Spot%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 5: \u201cDepression Is Easy To Spot.\u201d\">Myth 5: \u201cDepression Is Easy To Spot.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_6_%E2%80%9CShes_Just_Looking_For_Attention_She_Needs_To_Get_Over_It%E2%80%93Its_Not_A_Real_Thing%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 6: \u201cShe\u2019s Just Looking For Attention. She Needs To Get Over It\u2013It\u2019s Not A Real Thing.\u201d\">Myth 6: \u201cShe\u2019s Just Looking For Attention. She Needs To Get Over It\u2013It\u2019s Not A Real Thing.\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Myth_7_%E2%80%9CTheres_Nothing_I_Can_Do_To_Help%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Myth 7: \u201cThere\u2019s Nothing I Can Do To Help.\u201d\">Myth 7: \u201cThere\u2019s Nothing I Can Do To Help.\u201d<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Tips_For_Parents\" title=\"Tips For Parents\">Tips For Parents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p id=\"9753\">Growing up is never easy\u2013especially during your teenage years. But what happens to the teens who are also battling depression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"8953\">To help depressed teens navigate their world and find healing, it\u2019s important for parents to understand what their teen may be going through before taking action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression.jpg\" alt=\"7 Myths About Teen Depression\" class=\"wp-image-37668 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression.jpg\" alt=\"7 Myths About Teen Depression\" class=\"wp-image-37668 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Myths-About-Teen-Depression-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>7 Myths About Teen Depression (And The Truth Parents Need to Know)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3e04\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Common_Is_Teen_Depression\"><\/span>How Common Is Teen Depression?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"25b4\">According to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/depression\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)<\/strong><\/a>, depression is a severe mood disorder that negatively interferes with one\u2019s daily life patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"aebe\">Symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Recurring sadness or irritability<\/li><li>A loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/having-a-hobby-is-good-for-your-mental-health\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"35665\">hobbies<\/a><\/li><li>Sudden changes in weight or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-is-the-brain-gut-connection\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18124\">appetite<\/a><\/li><li>Having trouble relaxing due to feelings of restlessness<\/li><li>Changes in sleep patterns<\/li><li>Feelings of hopelessness<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Loss of concentration and difficulty making decisions<\/li><li>Thoughts of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/ways-to-stop-yourself-from-cutting-self-harm\/\"><strong>self-harm<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/\"><strong>suicide<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"3144\">To be classified as depression, these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/clinical-depression#causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>symptoms<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;must also last a minimum of two weeks. However, if untreated, it can continue for months or even years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"fcf7\">But just how common is teen depression? A 2017 study by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/fact-tank\/2019\/07\/12\/a-growing-number-of-american-teenagers-particularly-girls-are-facing-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pew Research<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;found 13 percent of adolescents in the United States between 12 and 17 experienced a recent depressive episode. This adds up to a shocking&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nsduhweb.rti.org\/respweb\/homepage.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>3.2 million<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/eating-disorders-in-teens\/\">teens suffering from the disorder<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"3ae8\">Unfortunately, depression can lead to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/find-help\/disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>substance abuse<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and even\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/\"><strong>suicide<\/strong><\/a>, which is the second-leading cause of teen deaths in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Myths_About_Teen_Depression\"><\/span>7 Myths About Teen Depression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"a259\">To help teens struggling with depression, it\u2019s important to know what is true and what is not when it comes to the disorder. Let\u2019s talk about how to recognize some of the most common myths about teen depression and why they are false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"54a5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_1_%E2%80%9CEverybody_Gets_Sad_Sometimes_Its_Completely_Normal%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 1: \u201cEverybody Gets Sad Sometimes! It\u2019s Completely Normal.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"6bec\">Yes, everybody gets sad sometimes. It\u2019s part of being human. But, there\u2019s a big difference between a teen who is sad versus one battling&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-clinical-depression-1067309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>clinical depression<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"a257\">Depression doesn\u2019t last for a day or two. Instead, it takes over their life by pulling them into severe low moods for weeks, months or years. For teen boys, they tend to act moody or angry, while girls are more prone to emotional outbursts and dysregulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"8b57\">Remember, anything that repeatedly disrupts a teen\u2019s daily lifestyle is not normal. Knowing this, it is essential that they receive the help they need to heal from their depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"aa55\">Unfortunately, if they are unable to learn how to cope with the illness, it can have detrimental effects on their adolescent development. Some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/articles\/depression\/parents-guide-to-teen-depression.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>risks<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;for untreated depression in teens include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Higher risk for developing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001522.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>substance use disorder<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li>Problems in school, low grades or attendance<\/li><li>Social isolation<\/li><li>Making risky, dangerous or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/ways-to-stop-yourself-from-cutting-self-harm\/\"><strong>self-harming<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;choices<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a9ad\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_2_%E2%80%9CShe_Has_A_Good_Life_There_Is_No_Reason_For_Her_To_Be_Depressed%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 2: \u201cShe Has A Good Life, There Is No Reason For Her To Be Depressed.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"ad21\">For those who have never experienced depression, this mentality makes sense. But in reality, depression can affect anyone\u2013no matter what their life may look like on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"6131\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/research\/action\/speaking-of-psychology\/affluence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>American Psychological Association (APA<\/strong><\/a>) discovered teens from wealthy families are actually at a higher risk for depression than other economic classes due to heavy pressure to succeed and to appear \u201cperfect\u201d in the eyes of others and within their own family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"c51e\">However, there are many factors that explain why a teen might be experiencing depression. For some, an imbalance of hormones or a family history of the disorder can play a significant role. For other teens, the stressor can be related to their circumstances or a past traumatic event never properly dealt with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"1306\">Just remember, you never know what deeper issues a teen might be dealing with until you take the time to investigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"e279\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_3_%E2%80%9CTeen_Depression_Affects_Boys_And_Girls_The_Same_Way%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 3: \u201cTeen Depression Affects Boys And Girls The Same Way.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"40eb\">While it\u2019s true that depression affects both sexes, studies have found that depression actually tends to affect girls more than boys during adolescence. To give a clearer picture,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/fact-tank\/2019\/07\/12\/a-growing-number-of-american-teenagers-particularly-girls-are-facing-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pew Research<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;discovered an alarming statistic that one-in-five teenage girls suffer from the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"c6b5\">But why are girls more at risk?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"207e\">Unfortunately, the reason for this is not fully known, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bphope.com\/kids-children-teens\/11-myths-and-misconceptions-of-teen-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>experts<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;have determined it could be linked to the way girls respond emotionally to stressful experiences or situations. That said, they are also known to have twice as many relational stressors compared to teenage boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"2840\">Boys, however, are known to act more aggressively than girls while experiencing depression. Studies have proven that teen boys tend to be more&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bnitreatment.com\/depression-in-teen-boys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>impulsive<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;and are much more likely to commit suicide than girls suffering from the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"5531\">However, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/adaa.org\/find-help-for\/women\/mental-health-in-young-girls-and-teens#Depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>ADAA<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;shows that more than two-thirds of teenage antidepressant users are girls. This means girls receive treatment more often than boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"e1bf\">Knowing this, it\u2019s important to pay close attention to the behavior of both boys&nbsp;<em>and<\/em>&nbsp;girls during this critical developmental stage to ensure that both sexes get the help they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4994\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_4_%E2%80%9CHes_Just_Being_Lazy%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 4: \u201cHe\u2019s Just Being Lazy.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"fd8f\">Yes, teens with depression can appear lazy\u2013but it doesn\u2019t mean they are. For those&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/\"><strong>suffering from depression<\/strong><\/a>, normal activities like getting out of bed can become a formidable and daunting challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"7f1f\">Why? Well, for one thing, depression can be exhausting. Not only can it cause&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/debunking-myths-of-teen-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>problems sleeping<\/strong><\/a>, but it is also an energy-draining disorder that often leads to a severe lack of motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"10a2\">Instead of being quick to assume a teen is just being lazy, consider taking some time to understand why they might be acting the way they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7ca2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_5_%E2%80%9CDepression_Is_Easy_To_Spot%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 5: \u201cDepression Is Easy To Spot.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"97db\">Many people think depression always looks like sadness and severe mood changes. This is not true though, and there\u2019s no one \u201cright way\u201d to be depressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"bb82\">Instead, symptoms of teen depression can vary greatly depending on the individual and their circumstances.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-is-major-depression\/\"><strong>Common symptoms of depression<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;can be overlooked based on insufficient knowledge or insufficient awareness from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"10b0\">Things like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightstep.com\/rehab-blog\/signs-of-depression-in-teens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>changes<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;in appetite, irritability, isolation, poor grades in school or moodiness can sometimes be considered \u201cnormal\u201d teen behavior. However,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>studies<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;have shown many teens actually hide or \u201cmask\u201d their symptoms to draw attention away from themselves or to prevent loved ones from worrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"6796\">To avoid missing these signs, being open and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/\"><strong>communicative with teens is crucial<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"50dc\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_6_%E2%80%9CShes_Just_Looking_For_Attention_She_Needs_To_Get_Over_It%E2%80%93Its_Not_A_Real_Thing%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 6: \u201cShe\u2019s Just Looking For Attention. She Needs To Get Over It\u2013It\u2019s Not A Real Thing.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"351e\">It is a real thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"ebd7\">If a teen is brave enough to try and reach out for help, the most detrimental thing you can do is cause her to feel as if her own feelings are not valid. Instead of being critical or dismissive about the issue, try listening to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"a065\">Remember, depression is not something that people can simply \u201csnap out of.\u201d According to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/9-myths-depression#it-isnt-a-real-illness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Healthline<\/strong><\/a>, its origins are actually social, biological and psychological. Unlike just having \u201cthe blues,\u201d teen depression requires treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"9a08\">For many teens, meeting with a&nbsp;<a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\"><strong>mental health<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;professional is extremely beneficial toward their healing. Other common&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psycom.net\/depression.central.teens.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>treatment options<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;include: group therapy, medication, and online counseling, which many teens prefer, as they can use their smartphones to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ceb2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_7_%E2%80%9CTheres_Nothing_I_Can_Do_To_Help%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Myth 7: \u201cThere\u2019s Nothing I Can Do To Help.\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"36dc\">False.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"23da\">There is always something you can do. Although you should never try to \u201cfix\u201d a teen, there is plenty you can do to help a teen with depression not feel so alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"b364\">First, let them know that you are listening. Create a non-judgmental environment and be there for them as they talk through their feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"5e78\">Another way to help is by providing the teen with mental health&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.heardalliance.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>resources<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;and supporting them through professional treatment. By doing this, the lines of communication will start to open up, and healing can finally begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know and How to Help\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ltRZ9KH4TRE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know and How to Help. Courtesy, YouTube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"311d\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_For_Parents\"><\/span>Tips For Parents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"ac2c\">Knowing if your teen suffers from depression can sometimes be tricky. But, by being more aware of what depression looks like and how to handle it, your teen will reap the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"d771\">Below are some points to remember when dealing with your depressed teen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Watch for the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/teen-depression\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20350985\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>signs<\/strong><\/a>\u2013there\u2019s more than you\u2019d expect.<\/li><li>Practice active listening.<\/li><li>Take them (your teen) seriously.<\/li><li>Be supportive.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/betterhelp-counseling-review\/\"><strong>Seek professional help<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or a teen you know may be suffering from depression, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out for help. There are plenty of in-person and online <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\" title=\"therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">therapy<\/a> programs that specialize in treating teen depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using the right <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/resources\/\" title=\"resources\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">resources<\/a> and finding a program that works for you, healing is more than possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help get you started, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/esmi-treatment-locator\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> for a list of possible treatment centers near you. Or, have your teen take this free depression quiz:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/esmi-treatment-locator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator \u2013 SAMHSA.gov<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/teen-depression\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20350985\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teen depression &#8211; Symptoms and causes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heardalliance.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HEARD Alliance<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psycom.net\/depression.central.teens.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teens and Depression: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Risks<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/9-myths-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">9 Depression Myths<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is Smiling Depression?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightstep.com\/rehab-blog\/signs-of-depression-in-teens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Signs Of Depression In Teens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/debunking-myths-of-teen-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Debunking Myths of Teen Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/adaa.org\/find-help-for\/women\/mental-health-in-young-girls-and-teens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Girls and Teens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bphope.com\/kids-children-teens\/11-myths-and-misconceptions-of-teen-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">11 Myths and Misconceptions of Teen Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/fact-tank\/2019\/07\/12\/a-growing-number-of-american-teenagers-particularly-girls-are-facing-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Depression is increasing among US teens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/research\/action\/speaking-of-psychology\/affluence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Speaking of Psychology: The mental price of affluence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001522.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Substance use disorder<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-clinical-depression-1067309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clinical Depression: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/find-help\/disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (samhsa.gov)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nsduhweb.rti.org\/respweb\/homepage.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/clinical-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Major Depressive Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/depression\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NIMH \u00bb Depression<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Depression in teenagers is often difficult to spot. Parents need to know both the myths and the facts about teen depression if they want to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":37667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[798,760,825,36,762,62],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teen-Depression-What-Parents-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Help.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Depression in teenagers is often difficult to spot. Parents need to know both the myths and the facts about teen depression if they want to help.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37644"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37644"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37644\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}