What is The Best Way to Help a Depressed Teenager?

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we understand that the teenage years can be challenging. When your teen faces depression, it becomes even more complex, both for them and for you as a parent. With compassionate support and evidence-based strategies, you can play a crucial role in helping your teen navigate depression and work toward emotional well-being. So, what is the best way to help a depressed teenager?

Understanding Teen Depression

Depression in teens is more than mood swings or a brief period of sadness—it’s a serious mental health condition that affects their behavior, emotions, and daily life.

It can manifest in many ways, including:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Decline in school performance
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Recognizing these symptoms early is essential. Adolescent Wellness Academy offers specialized therapy programs designed to help teens and their families manage depression effectively.

How to Communicate With Your Depressed Teen

Opening a line of communication is the first step toward supporting your teen. Here are some strategies to facilitate productive conversations:

  1. Listen Without Judgment
    Allow your teen to express their feelings freely. Avoid interruptions or passing judgment. Validate their emotions by saying things like, “I understand this is difficult for you, and I’m here to help.”
  2. Be Patient and Persistent
    Your teen may not be ready to talk immediately, but gently remind them that you’re available whenever they feel comfortable opening up. Avoid pressuring them, and instead, create a supportive environment.
  3. Avoid Trying to “Fix” Them
    Depression isn’t something that can be quickly resolved. Focus on listening and offering reassurance rather than immediate solutions.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Changes

In addition to professional treatment, lifestyle adjustments can enhance your teen’s mental health:

  1. Promote Physical Activity
    Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve mood. Encourage activities your teen enjoys, whether it’s a walk, dancing, or team sports.
  2. Establish a Routine
    Consistent routines, including regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and dedicated study times, create a sense of stability that can be reassuring for teens.
  3. Limit Screen Time
    Social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or isolation. Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage in-person interactions with friends and family.
  4. Support Healthy Eating Habits
    Encourage balanced meals that support brain health, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Understanding Teen Depression

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

If your teen’s symptoms persist or worsen, professional intervention may be necessary. At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we offer personalized therapy programs designed to meet the unique needs of teens:

  1. Explore Therapy Options Together
    We offer a range of therapy options, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy. Let your teen be part of the decision-making process to ensure they feel comfortable with the approach.
  2. Monitor for Suicide Warning Signs
    Be alert for signs of suicidal thoughts, such as talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from loved ones, or giving away personal items. If you suspect your teen is at risk, contact a mental health professional immediately or call a crisis hotline.

Supporting Your Teen Through Treatment

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we encourage parents to be active participants in their teen’s treatment journey. But what is the best way to help a depressed teenager? Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Attend Appointments When Appropriate
    We welcome parental involvement when it benefits the therapeutic process. Being present during therapy sessions can help parents better understand their teen’s struggles and progress.
  2. Celebrate Small Wins
    Recovery is a journey, not a sprint. Celebrate small improvements, whether it’s getting out of bed earlier or re-engaging in a hobby they once loved.
  3. Maintain Open Communication
    Keep conversations ongoing, even when it feels challenging. Let your teen know you’re there for them unconditionally.

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting a teen with depression can be emotionally exhausting. It’s essential to also care for yourself:

Get Professional Support at Adolescent Wellness Academy

If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, reach out to Adolescent Wellness Academy. We offer specialized mental health treatment programs tailored to teens, designed to support their recovery journey.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

About the Author

Therapist

Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.