PRISCILLA WRIGHT,M.Ed,LPC,NCC
The teenaged years are marred with questions like: Who can I be? Who am I? Do I fit in? The quest for answers may result in parental conflict as the teen moves toward independence. Teenagers are also facing a series of cognitive, physiological, and social changes. Due to the changes that they are experiencing, teens may become irritable, angry, and even sad at times. It is important to know the difference between sadness and depression. Sadly, most teens that are depressed will not get helps as their symptoms maybe over looked.
Depression in Teens may look differently than in adults. Teens may experience:
- Aches and pains that are not medically related.
- Irritability
- Low to no motivation
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
- Thoughts of death or dying
- Joking about death
- Poor eating and sleeping habits
- Withdrawn
Parents Can:
- Encourage your teen to talk about his or her feelings and situations that are troubling to them. Try to avoid minimizing their issues. Avoid phrases like, “ It will not matter when you are out of high school anyway.”
- Listen to your child. Try to avoid questioning your child. Reframe from any conversation that could seem judgmental. He or she may just clam up and refuse to talk.
- Should your teen clam up or shut down, offer your support. Let them known your concerns and feelings. Consistently offer your support.
If theses symptoms are frequent, intense, impact the daily life of your teen, and are a change from their typical behavior, it maybe wise to seek help. Thoughts and statements of suicide should be taken seriously. Should you feel that your teen is at risk for committing suicide call 911 immediately or visit your local hospital’s emergency department.
Priscilla Wright is a licensed professional counselor practicing at Commonwealth Behavioral Health Inc. located in Midlothian, Virginia. Ms. Wright holds a master’s degree in Counselor Education and is currently completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Ms. Wright is also a National Certified Counselor. At Commonwealth Behavioral Health Inc., Ms. Wright works with children, adolescents, and adults on issues to include stress management, co-parenting, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Ms. Wright believes in a holistic (looking at the person as a whole) approach to practice. Ms. Wright’s research interest includes topics on intellectual disabilities, stress management, and topics regarding family systems.
