Approaching your adolescent might be scary, especially when it comes to their emotions. It’s common knowledge that teenagers aren’t the most honest and forthright when it comes to discussing their sentiments, particularly with their parents. The result may differ depending on the family. While some teenagers will find it difficult to open up, others may feel comfortable enough with their parents to do so.
Thus, the issue is how to discuss depression with teenagers. When talking to your adolescent about depression, there are some actions you can take.
Have patience. Being patient with teens is the most crucial thing to do while talking to them about depression. Remain calm and collected; your adolescent may become even more aloof and reluctant to communicate with you if you lose your cool. Rather, exercise understanding and patience and wait for them to come to you when they’re ready.
Pay attention to them. Teens generally dislike conflict and being questioned about personal matters. Take a seat back and listen to them rather than bombarding them with questions. When they do come to you, wait for them to do so and pay attention.
This method can foster an environment where kids feel more at ease talking to their parents since it relieves them of pressure.
Offer Them Confirmation. You might want to handle your teen’s problems personally as parents. You might even minimise their sentiments and emotions at times. Rather than minimising their emotions, give them validation. Give them encouraging remarks. Offer your empathy and acknowledge that you comprehend if they are sharing anything with you that is upsetting them.
Don’t try to control their emotions either. Recall that individuals have the right to feel the way they do and that something that may not seem important to you may have the opposite effect on them.
Offer assistance. Enhancing your relationship with your child is always beneficial, and providing assistance is one way to do so, even if you already have a good one. To demonstrate your teen’s support, try to imagine yourself in their position. Exhibit empathy, compassion, and understanding.
When you believe your adolescent isn’t making an effort to improve their attitude or themselves, it’s natural to become frustrated. Although you have the right to your opinions, try to be understanding of their struggles rather than expressing anger at them. Recall that depression can make it harder to carry out daily tasks. If your child seems to be slack off with their schoolwork or duties, it’s probably not a sign of laziness but rather that they are struggling with something else, like sadness.
Promote Medical Care. You might be unsure of whether your teen needs to see a doctor if they are depressed.
Even with teens involved, therapy is frequently stigmatised. It’s advisable to approach your adolescent patiently if you want them to pursue therapy as a kind of treatment. While some teenagers will be open to receiving therapy, others won’t. It’s critical that you, as their parent, exercise patience and gently prod them to get help. Don’t press the idea if your teen refuses to discuss it. Await their decision to seek medical attention on their own. Keep being supportive in the interim.