How Can I Help My Teenager with Depression?

Watching your child struggle with depression can be one of the most painful experiences as a parent. You may feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to help, or afraid to say the wrong thing. But your concern is valid, and your support can make a meaningful difference.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we work with teens and their families to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care. This article will help you understand the signs of depression in teenagers, what you can do at home, when to seek professional support, and how our integrated teen mental health programs may help.

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What Are the Signs of Depression in Teens?

It can be challenging to distinguish between normal teenage moodiness and clinical depression. However, there are consistent signs that may point to something more serious.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or crying
  • Irritability, anger, or frustration, even over small matters
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities
  • Avoiding family or social interactions
  • Declining school performance or attendance
  • Risk-taking or reckless behavior

Physical Symptoms

  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical issues without a clear cause

These signs may vary in intensity and duration. If they persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s time to take action.

How Can I Help My Teenager with Depression at Home?

Your support as a parent is critical. While professional help is often necessary, your presence at home can lay the foundation for healing.

Be Present Without Pressure

Your teen may not be ready to talk right away. Being available, showing up for meals, or offering to do an activity together can create a safe space for connection.

Listen Without Judgment

Let your teen express how they feel without rushing to solve the problem. Phrases like “That sounds really hard” or “I’m here for you” are more helpful than “Just think positively.”

Create a Stable Routine

Teens benefit from consistent structure. Maintain regular meal times, sleep schedules, and expectations. Predictability can reduce stress and offer a sense of control.

Model Healthy Coping

Whether it’s exercise, journaling, or taking breaks from technology, show your teen what healthy emotional regulation looks like. Your behavior will speak louder than your words.

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What Not to Say to a Teen Struggling with Depression

Even with good intentions, specific phrases can make your teen feel misunderstood or dismissed.

Avoid Minimizing Their Experience

Saying things like “You’re just being dramatic” or “It’s not that bad” may deepen feelings of isolation. Depression is not a choice, and invalidating it may shut down communication.

Skip the Quick Fixes

Telling your teen to “just get outside” or “think positively” overlooks the seriousness of what they may be feeling. Depression is not solved by willpower alone.

Don’t Compare

Comparing your teen’s struggles to someone else’s hardships may make them feel guilty or ashamed for being upset. Every person’s experience is unique.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for Teen Depression?

Some symptoms call for immediate evaluation from a licensed mental health provider.

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Support:

  • Self-harm behaviors (cutting, burning)
  • Talking about death or suicide
  • Sudden withdrawal from all social contact
  • Refusal to attend school or complete daily tasks

If you notice any of these behaviors, do not wait. Early intervention is critical. Professional help is not a sign of failure—it is a sign of love, courage, and care.

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How AWA Helps Teens with Depression

Adolescent Wellness Academy specializes in treating mental health challenges in adolescents. Our team offers psychiatric care as part of our comprehensive teen mental health programs, tailored to the needs of youth in middle and high school.

The Adolescent Wellness Academy Approach

  • Pediatric Psychiatry: Medication management when clinically appropriate, always paired with therapy and continuous evaluation.
  • Individual and Group Therapy: Teens work with licensed clinicians to build coping skills and explore underlying emotions.
  • Family Therapy: Parents and caregivers are actively involved in the healing process through guided sessions and access to support resources.
  • Academic and Social Support: We help teens balance emotional growth with educational goals, restoring confidence and a sense of purpose.

Our programs are structured, safe, and compassionate, designed to support your child’s growth without isolating them from the world around them.

How to Support Yourself While Supporting Your Teen

Supporting a teenager with depression can significantly impact your emotional well-being, and it’s essential to recognize this strain. While your encouragement and understanding are crucial for their healing, prioritizing your own mental health is equally important to ensure you can provide the best support possible. Remember, taking time for self-care is not selfish; it strengthens your ability to help them through their struggles.

Take Time for Yourself

Participate in activities that recharge your energy—whether it’s taking a walk, diving into a good book, or having a meaningful conversation with a friend. Remember, it’s completely acceptable to take breaks, as these moments of rest can enhance your overall well-being and productivity. Embrace the time you need to rejuvenate so you can face challenges with a clearer mind.

Seek Your Own Support

Therapy, support groups, or parenting workshops can provide you with valuable insights and coping strategies to navigate the challenges you’re encountering. Remember, you don’t have to bear the weight of your struggles on your own; reaching out for support can lead to healing and growth, ultimately helping you become a stronger person and parent.

Stay Consistent and Compassionate

Even when your teen resists help or reacts with anger, maintaining a steady, loving, and calm demeanor can have a far more significant impact than you might expect. This consistent support creates an environment where they feel safe to express their emotions and reconsider their choices.

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Hope Is Not Lost: Get Started With AWA Today!

Teen depression is treatable. With the right support system—both at home and through clinical care—your child can begin to feel better, reconnect with themselves, and thrive.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we believe in your teen’s potential. We believe in the power of family. And we are here to help, every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started with AWA!

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Tatiana Shiber - Therapist (Davie)

Tatiana Lourenco Shiber, MS, RMHCI is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents navigating intellectual disabilities, trauma, self-harm, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. Tatiana has also worked with diverse populations providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
 
Tatiana’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Narrative therapy. Tatiana is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful change. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in their healing journey with compassion, authenticity, and respect.

Tiffany Rivera - Therapist (Davie)

Tiffany Rivera holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

With a passion for empowering young people, Tiffany specializes in client-centered approaches that foster trust, growth, and resilience. She brings a strong background in mentoring youth and supporting individuals struggling with substance use, always meeting clients with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Tiffany is known for her compassionate nature, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

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.