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Teens

May 19
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Supporting Teens with Anxiety and Depression

By Teens

The teen years are often filled with emotional highs and lows, but for some young adults, these feelings go deeper than typical teenage stress. Teen depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that can interfere with school, friendships, and even day-to-day functioning. As a parent or caregiver, it can be overwhelming to know how to help. At Dayspring Behavioral Health, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate depression and anxiety in children and teens. This guide is designed to help family members recognize the signs, offer support, and explore treatment options that can make a difference.

Recognizing the Signs of Teen Depression and Anxiety

The symptoms of depression and anxiety can look different in teens than in adults. While moodiness is common during adolescence, consistent or intense changes in behavior may be cause for concern.

Common signs of teen depression:

· Persistent sadness, irritability, or hopelessness

· Withdrawal from family and friends

· Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed

· Changes in sleep or appetite

· Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

· Expressions of worthlessness or guilt

· Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Signs of an anxiety disorder in teens:

· Excessive worry that doesn’t seem to go away

· Avoidance of social situations or school

· Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches

· Difficulty sleeping

· Restlessness or irritability

It’s important for parents to pay attention to these changes and trust their instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

How Mental Health Conditions Affect Daily Life

Teen depression and anxiety can interfere with school performance, extracurricular activities, and relationships with family and friends. Some teens may become isolated, while others might act out or experience physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue or pain. Untreated mental health conditions during adolescence can increase the risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and long-term emotional struggles. In some cases, symptoms may point to other underlying issues like bipolar disorder or trauma. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious complications.

How Parents and Family Members Can Help

Being present, patient, and proactive is essential. Here are several ways family members can support a teen facing depression and anxiety:

1. Open the Lines of Communication

Let your teen know you’re there to listen without judgment. Avoid minimizing their feelings or trying to immediately solve the problem. Sometimes just being heard can bring relief.

2. Encourage Physical Activity and Healthy Routines

Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Help your teen maintain a consistent routine that includes physical activity, regular meals, and adequate sleep.

3. Model Healthy Coping Skills

Show your teen how you manage stress and difficult emotions. This sets an example and creates a safe space for open discussions about mental health.

4. Stay Involved at School

Depression in children and teens can interfere with schoolwork and peer relationships. Talk with teachers or school counselors if you suspect your teen is struggling academically or socially.

5. Seek Help from a Mental Health Professional

A licensed therapist or counselor can work with your teen to develop a personalized treatment plan. Therapy may involve cognitive-behavioral strategies, family counseling, or even medication if appropriate.

At Dayspring Behavioral Health, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of adolescents and their families.

Exploring Treatment Options

Every teen is different, and so are their needs when it comes to managing depression and anxiety. A mental health professional can help determine the best course of action based on a thorough assessment.

Common treatment options include:

· Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions that focus on building coping skills and self-awareness

· Family therapy: Strengthens communication and relationships between teens and their family members

· Medication: In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed alongside therapy

· Group therapy: Provides peer support and helps teens understand they’re not alone

The most effective treatment plans often combine multiple approaches and include regular follow-up.

When to Take Immediate Action

If your teen expresses thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or shows signs of severe distress, don’t wait. Seek emergency support immediately. Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to the nearest emergency room.

A Message to Parents

Watching your teen struggle with their mental health is one of the hardest things a parent can experience. But you don’t have to go through it alone. With support, understanding, and the right treatment, recovery is not only possible—it’s probable.

At Dayspring Behavioral Health, we are committed to walking this journey with you. Whether you need guidance, resources, or therapy options for your teen, our team is here to help.

Jan 04
Love0

Talking is Hard: A Social Media Skills Group for Teen Boys

By Dayspring, Teens No Comments

Adolescents are growing up in the age of social media. Much like fast food, social media is quick and easy, but hardly satisfying. The human brain needs more than likes on an online post. The human brain craves genuine connections with real people. A fulfilling life is often full of rich relationships. Teenagers need genuine connection like everyone else. Navigating adolescence is stressful enough as it is and traversing that journey alone is even worse. Boys can often be overlooked as they rarely open up and people find it difficult to help them. Boys will often externalize or lash out if they are hurting inside. Words may not be the trick to help those boys open up. Instead, finding a sense of belonging and support may be the best medicine. Have you noticed that your teen boy is struggling to connect with his peers?

Here are three male teenagers lacking in social skills:

Teen A: He does not play well with others. Teen A often acts defiantly towards authority, and he tends to push others away before they can push him away. He tries to look like the tough one that does not care. Quick to pull out the phone and shut out the world.

Teen B: He is the shy, quiet type. He has been bullied because his interests may not fit in the mainstream. Teen B may come across awkward to others. He may have tried to join a club or sport but gave up after no success. Perhaps Teen B locks himself away in his room and escapes to a world in a video game that makes more sense.

Teen C: He is all over the place. Teen C has high energy and moves at his own pace. He may struggle to connect with his peers as they find it difficult to keep up with him. Perhaps he has found it easy to gain the attention of his peers by assuming the role of the class clown. Teen C latches on to any person or group that tolerates his antics. He probably misinterprets that tolerance as friendship.

Our group is designed perfectly for Teen B. Our social skills group offers a fun and safe environment for teen boys to learn and connect. We cover topics that include basic communication, self-monitoring and coping basics, critical thinking, assertiveness, and conflict management.

Do not fear if your teen is more like A and C. Here are a few ideal outlets for Teens A & C: Wilderness Awareness School, Aspiring Youth, Sports (i.e., Basketball, Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Tennis, Swimming, Fencing, etc.), Martial Arts, and Drama/Theater. Parents should also check out the book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.