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A practical workbook for teens to understand and manage depression, offering various exercises and strategies.

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Depression: A Teen's Guide to Survive and Thrive

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Depression: A Teen's Guide to Survive and Thrive

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An accessible guide for teens experiencing depression, providing coping strategies and self-help techniques.

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Jacqueline B. Toner, Claire A. B. Freeland

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A comprehensive overview of teen depression, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions - What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?

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A guide teaching mindfulness techniques to help teens manage depression and improve overall well-being.

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An article providing practical tips and strategies for teens to cope with depression in their daily lives.

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Dealing with Teen Depression - HelpGuide.org

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Depression is common in teens. Here's what you can do to help yourself or a friend feel better.

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Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression

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Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression

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A workbook offering exercises and activities to help teens understand and manage their depression.

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A resource for parents and educators on how to support and help teenagers dealing with depression.

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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Children and teenagers also may have depression, as well.

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Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

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Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

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A comprehensive guide for adults to understand, recognize, and support teens with depression.

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The Depressed Teen: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

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The Depressed Teen: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

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A book offering guidance to parents and caregivers on how to support and help their depressed teenagers.

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Teen Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Getting Help

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Teen Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Getting Help

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An informative article discussing the signs and symptoms of teen depression and ways to seek help.

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All teens feel sad or moody at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer - and when there are other changes in how a teen acts - it could be a sign of depression.

Depression can get better with the right therapy. But problems can last or get worse if they are not treated. Besides therapy, teens who feel depressed need extra support from parents and other adults in their lives.

If you think your teen is depressed, talk with them. Let them know you want to understand what they are going through. Listen if they want to talk.

Schedule a visit with their doctor or a therapist to check for depression. If your teen is depressed, the doctor can explain what they (and you) can do to help. It's best to treat depression early.

How Can I Tell if My Teen Is Depressed?

When teens are depressed, parents may notice a sad or bad mood that lasts for weeks or longer. They may notice other changes, such as:

Negative outlook. Teens who feel depressed may be hard on themselves or on others. They might focus on failures and setbacks. It may be hard for them to see the good parts of things, or the good parts of themselves.

Low energy, effort, interest, enjoyment. Teens may lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They may not seem to care. They may put less effort into schoolwork or tasks at home. Things seem to take too much effort. Nothing seems fun or enjoyable.

Changes in sleep. Teens may sleep more or have trouble getting up when they need to. They may have trouble sleeping.

Changes in eating. Some teens with depression show less interest in food and may lose weight. Some eat more than before and may gain weight.

Doing poorly at school. When a teen feels depressed, school work can seem harder. They may not complete their work, show effort, or study as much for tests. Their grades may drop.

Pulling away from friends and family. Teens may spend more time alone, less time with friends, or seem distant.

Risky or harmful behaviors. Depression can lead some teens to misbehave, get in trouble, or argue more. They may show risky behaviors. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, or to self-harm.

Thoughts or talk of suicide. Some depressed teens have thoughts of suicide. If you think your teen is thinking of suicide, ask them about it - calmly and with love. Knowing they have someone they can turn to can help protect teens from acting on those thoughts. It also lets you know if your teen needs immediate help.

If your teen is thinking or talking of suicide, find help and guidance right away. Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website, or call or text 988. You can also take your teen to a hospital emergency room or call 911.

Is Your Child Depressed?

How can parents know what's typical moodiness and when there is a problem? Learn the signs of depression and ways to help your child feel better.

Why Do Some Teens Feel Depressed?

Teens may become depressed for different reasons. There's no single cause. Genes, hormones, and life events can all play a role.

Some teens may be more sensitive to depression because of genes they inherit. Genes influence areas of the brain that affect mood and energy. Teens who feel depressed may have family members who have been depressed, too.

Hormone changes that happen with puberty can affect mood. Some teens are sensitive to hormone shifts that happen with seasonal changes in daylight. They may become depressed at the same time each year, in fall or winter, when daylight hours are shorter. This is called seasonal depression (or seasonal affective disorder).

Life events and personal events may play a role. Many teens have been through loss, family hardship, family conflict, or difficult health challenges. Some have lived with violence or faced trauma. These things don't always lead to depression. But they can - even when teens get good support and have plenty of inner strength.

No matter what plays a role in why teens become depressed, the right treatment can help them get better.

What Is the Treatment for Depression in Teens?

There are several evidence-based treatments that work for depression in teens. They include these types of talk therapy:

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

interpersonal therapy (IPT)

attachment-based family therapy (ABFT)

Each of these therapies targets different aspects of depression. Therapists might use a few of these in a teen's treatment. The details of treatment depend on what the teen needs and how severe their symptoms are.

Therapists plan each teen's treatment after first doing a careful exam. They will talk with you and your teen to explain the treatment they recommend. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe medicines to help teens who are depressed.

How Does Therapy Help Teens Who Are Depressed?

Therapy helps teens explore and resolve their depression. In therapy, teens may learn to:

feel understood and closer to others

talk about their feelings, thoughts, and events that matter to them

manage strong emotions and moods

reduce harmful or risky behaviors

regain energy and motivation

improve their emotions, thoughts, and outlook

learn and practice coping skills

restore healthy family bonds or boundaries, as needed

build on their inner strengths

find hope and healing, increase their joy and optimism

What Should I Do if I Think My Teen Is Depressed?

If you think your teen might be depressed:

Talk with them. Show extra love and support. Let them know you care and want to hear what they're going through. When they're depressed, many teens feel alone, distant, or unlovable. Small gestures of caring can help them feel less alone.

Take them to see their doctor. Set up a visit with your teen's doctor or a mental health provider to check for depression. Medical providers also can check for other health or mental health issues that might be causing your teen's symptoms. They can explain what they (and you) can do to help your teen.

Date reviewed: September 2021

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Depression in Teens: How Parents Can Help

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All teens feel sad or moody at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in how a teen acts, it could be a sign of depression. Find out what to do.

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A comprehensive resource on teen depression, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

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Healthy habits-such as routines, sleep hygiene, and socializing-give children resilience to overcome depression and build mental wellness. Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting the mental health of their children by modeling, teaching, and reinforcing these habits.

The Managing Childhood Depression worksheet describes several important habits that caregivers and their children can practice every day. Some of these behaviors may already be part of their routine, while others will offer opportunities for growth.

This handout has a secondary benefit of empowering caregivers throughout treatment. It answers the common question: "What can I do to help?"

Of course, there is no quick fix for depression. However, by establishing healthy habits, parents and caregivers can help their children develop resilience. Dedicate some time in session to follow-up with these interventions, emphasizing that long-term habits lead to gradual improvement, rather than an overnight miracle.

For tools related to the relaxation skills described in this worksheet, check out Mindfulness Activities for Children (worksheet) and Ocean Breathing (audio).

Accompanying resource for kids:

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Managing Childhood Depression: Caregiver's guide | Worksheet | Therapist Aid

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Healthy habits-such as routines, sleep hygiene, and socializing-give children resilience to overcome depression and build mental wellness. Parents...