How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety and Depression

The teenage years are a positive time for self and social development. Teens are exploring their identities, personalities and independence. However, this time also makes teens vulnerable to developing mental health problems. 

There are a number of mental health problems teens can struggle with, but by far the two most common mental health disorders are depression and anxiety. 

Understanding Teen Depression and Teen Anxiety 

Teen brains are undergoing rapid changes. Their prefrontal cortex is in the prime years of development, this region of the brain controls emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, motivation and decision-making. 

Teen depression and anxiety is a widespread problem. According to Mental Health America: 

• 20% of teens 12-17 have suffered with at least one depressive episode 
• 25% of teens 12-17 have suffered with at least one anxious episode  

Sometimes adults think teens have nothing to worry about, but they face many challenges from academic stress, peer pressure, and hormonal changes to an unstable home life. 

Teens today also have the added stress of the digital world. With the rise of technology and social media, teens face new social pressures. 

Many teens may feel isolated if they see photos or videos of friends hanging out without them. They also may struggle with their self-esteem if they see influencers, models or edited photos with unrealistic expectations about how they should look. 

Connecting Teen Depression and Anxiety

Almost half of teens diagnosed with depression also struggle with anxiety. Anxiety can be a symptom of depression, or depression can be a symptom of anxiety. 

Anxiety and depression can impact the same parts of the brain. That is responsible for emotional regulation and responses to their environment.     

Recognizing The Signs of Depression in Teens

Depressive episodes can bring symptoms of anxiety to the surface. It is important for parents to recognize signs of depression in teens to support them and provide them with proper intervention if needed. Signs include: 

• Low self-esteem
• Persistent low-mood, sadness, angst 
• Isolation
• Changes in sleep/appetite 
• Stomach problems or headaches 
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts 

Recognizing The Signs of Anxiety in Teens

Anxious teens are more likely to go through episodes of depression. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders teens experience due to academic stress, peer pressure and underlying genetics. Signs include: 

• General tension, nervousness or panic attacks 
• Stomach problems or headaches 
• Restlessness 
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite 
• Irritability 

How to Help a Teen With Depression and Anxiety 

Understanding the signs of depression and anxiety is the most important first step in supporting your teen. Being an empathetic ear to listen to can go a long way for teens to feel heard, respected and supported. 

Some other tips for parents to support their teens struggling with their mental health include: 

• Validate emotions and don’t write their mental health off simply as “being negative”. Many times teens with depression and anxiety cannot simply “look on the bright side” or “calm down”
• Share your own struggles. Think back to when you were a teen and had some of your own problems with feeling anxious or depressed, this can make it easier for your teen to open up. 
• Find an activity you both enjoy. Dedicate time each week to spend with your teen. Examples include riding bikes, cooking together, doing an art project, going on a hike, etc.
• Seek professional help right away if your teen is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. 

Specially Tailored Treatments for Anxiety and Depression 

There are a number of treatments for teens going through anxiety and depression.  When working with a mental health professional, they should learn the unique needs of your teen to recommend what may be best for them. Some common therapies designed to treat anxiety and depression include: 

• CBT Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common methods of therapy for teens with depression and anxiety. Working with a licensed counselor, teens will learn to break negative thinking patterns, set goals and develop healthy coping strategies
• Group Therapy: Support groups are a great way for teens to connect with each other and can reduce feelings of isolation. Teens can share their experiences, stories and positive coping skills with each other
• EMDR Therapy: EMDR has effective results for treating symptoms of anxiety, especially when it is due to underlying trauma. Using bilateral stimulation of the brain, EMDR makes it easier to re-wire memories and process emotional distress
• Art Therapy: Getting creative is a great way for teens to process emotions and relieve stress, especially if they struggle with communicating their feelings
• Activities: Activity based therapies are great for teens to work through symptoms of depression and anxiety. They make it easier to process stress and connect with others. Common activities include hiking, rock climbing, dance, and music therapy

Seeking Professional Help

If you identify warning signs of depression or anxiety in your teen, it’s important to reach out for professional mental health support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of mental health problems teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more. 

Sources 

State of Mental Health in America Youth Data. 2023. Mental Health America.