What To Do If A Depressed Teenager Refuses Help

Getting treatment for a depressed teen is not always easy. They may feel embarrassed, or think nothing is wrong with them. It can be difficult for parents to deal with a teen who refuses help. Teens have to want help for treatment to be effective. 

Parents can encourage their teens to get treatment by reframing therapy, having open conversations about mental health in the home, and taking strides to reduce the stigma that exists around depression. 

What is Teen Depression? 

Teen depression is a widespread health concern affecting up to 15% of teens across the US. Although feeling sad or moody for a teenager can be normal, depression causes symptoms that make it exhausting to participate in daily tasks. 

Depression can cause problems in school, home, and relationships. If it goes untreated, it can lead to more extreme issues in adulthood like substance abuse. 

Some of the reasons teens could be struggling with depression include: 

• Family history of depression 
• Academic stress
• Bullying, peer pressure, rumors or gossip 
• Trauma 
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Substance abuse 
• Low self-esteem 
• Physical health problems that disrupt chemicals in the brain 

How To Identify Depression In Your Teen? 

Depression can be difficult to recognize and treat. Sometimes it can manifest as physical symptoms or mimic symptoms of other mental health problems.

Recognizing signs of depression is essential for parents to be able to provide early intervention and proper treatment. Some of the common signs of depression include. 

• Persistent sadness
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Irritability or aggression 
• Troubles sleeping 
• Changes in appetite (skipping meals or binge eating) 
• Anxiety
• Slowed thinking or speech
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Trouble focusing 
• Sudden decline in academic performance 
• Problems making decisions
• Physical symptoms without a direct cause (stomachaches, headaches, muscle and joint pain) 
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm  

What Can You Do As A Parent To Help Your Depressed Teen? 

Parents play an important role in creating a safe space for their teens to speak openly about mental health. Building an open line of communication can go a long way in whether they are receptive to receiving treatment. 

Some things parents can do to support their teen struggling with depression include: 

• Reduce stigma around mental health by having open conversations 
• Educate yourself on teen depression 
• Tell your teen it’s okay to be depressed 
• Promote mindfulness in the home 
• Help your teen build a self-care routine and encourage them to stick with it 
• Encourage them to get involved in an activity they enjoy to stay social and connected
• Carve out a time each week to bond with your teen (going on a hike, bike rides, cooking a meal, trying new foods, walking the dog, watching a movie or Netflix series) 

How To Convince Your Teen To Get Help? 

It’s important for parents to encourage their teen to seek professional mental health treatment if they recognize their teen is suffering from depression. Sometimes, this can be easier said than done.

For several reasons, teens may be resistant to going to therapy. This can be from stigma, feeling ashamed or embarrassed, thinking nothing is wrong, or feeling so helpless they feel nothing will work. It’s important for parents to not give up and continue encouraging their teens to seek help. 

Frame Therapy Differently 

The way you frame and talk about treatment is important. Tell your teen that people go to therapy for the same reasons they go to the doctor—to feel better. The brain is a part of the body and it makes sense to take care of them. 

You can tell them therapy is like the gym for the brain. It’s a place to learn skills that strengthen their brain and make them feel happier. 

Find The Right Therapist 

Finding the right therapist is key to effective treatment. Sometimes going to more than one is necessary. This is normal even for adults seeking mental health treatment and there is nothing wrong with it. 

Focus On The Needs of Your Teen 

Teens may not always be aware that they have a problem or that they can´t get better. If teens are hopeless about getting better, this can sometimes be a symptom of depression. Ask teens what they want to get out of therapy, maybe improving grades, making friends, or building the confidence to join a club or sport. 

Express How You Feel 

Teens often learn by observation, and seeing how you react to situations can give them a model for how to cope. Your teen should know you support them regardless and that you care about how they are feeling. Share your concerns without feeling like you are giving them a lecture. Continue to remind them that you are there for them and that you want to see them get better. 

Don’t Give Up

Your teen might say no the first time you bring up treatment, but you should still keep trying. If you can, speak with other parents or medical providers about strategies they used to get their kiddos into treatment. If your teen is experiencing extreme symptoms of depression such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm, parents should seek professional help regardless of how they feel about receiving treatment. 

Seeking Professional Help

If you identify warning signs of depression in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

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

Sources 

State of Mental Health in America Youth Data. 2022. Mental Health America.