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Parent’s Guide to Depression in Teens

Understanding Teen Depression

When it comes to teen depression, it can be hard to decipher all of the different mood changes of your teen. Are they just full of angst or are they truly upset? Are they angry or are they just upset? Is this a one-time ordeal, or is this truly a mental health issue?

Depression is when intense sadness — including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless — lasts for many days to weeks and keeps you from living your life, it may be something more than sadness.

Symptoms of Depression in Teens

For teenagers, symptoms of depression might be hard to pinpoint. Here are a few common signs:

  • Withdrawal. If your teen is suddenly lacking interest or refusing to attend events or meetings that they once looked forward to, think about if there are other factors besides the possibility of your teen being depressed. Has your teen had a fight with a friend who they would hang out with at these places or in these clubs? Are they trying to better figure out who they are? This could also be part of it, but gently try to have these conversations to encourage your teen and let them know that you are there for them.
  • Oversensitivity to criticism. While you might believe that your teen is overly sensitive in general, look for signs of extreme sensitivity to criticism. How does your teen react when you talk about grades? What about when you talk about social status or athletic abilities? How about their plans for the future? In your teen’s eyes, criticism from you could be a sign of failure. You might also not know that your teen might be even more critical over their actions and success than you are of them. This could look like perfectionism, but it could be a sign of depression. If they seem disappointed, that could be normal. If they react with outbursts of crying, screaming, or silence, follow up.
  • Consistent illness, fatigue or pain. If your teen is dealing with depression, it could be internalized. In some cases, this could look like headaches, oversleeping or stomach aches. In more severe cases, this can look like seizures. When mental health issues goes untreated, it can have a real impact on physical health.
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions of self-harm. If your teen even jokes about never having lived or killing themselves, do not let that go unnoticed. Look for signs of self harm including constantly wearing long sleeves to cover cuts or turtlenecks to cover bruising.
  • Addiction to social media or cellphones. Today, it is hard to see the difference between technology abuse and technology use. Many teens use social media religiously, but if you notice your teen becoming obsessed with comparing themselves with their peers, it could be a sign of depression.
  • Reckless behavior or attitude. Teens can definitely make decisions that are not necessarily intelligent, but if your teen appears to be doing things that are dangerous or have major consequences, take that as a warning. This could be drug use, driving excessively fast, acting like they are invincible, or other actions, this could be a sign of mental health problems. Your teen might be doing these things because they are so depressed that they do not care about their future.

Depression in Teens Versus Depression in Adults

In adults, depression might look like total withdrawal from all people and events. In teens, depression could be doing all of their daily duties and shutting down at the end of the day in a particularly hostile mood. They usually keep some friendships and some sense of success, but on the inside, feel hopeless.

It is important to understand that your teen is still developing in many ways in both their physical and mental health, so their actions are not the same as that of a depressed adult.

How to Provide Support for a Teen with Depression

  • Listen instead of lecture. Your teen does not want to be told how they feel or what they should do about these feelings. Your teen might not open up, but if they do, acknowledge their feelings.
  • Support them in what they want to do. Encourage them in the things that they are still interested in. Tell them that you are proud of them. Take interest in what they are interested in.

Treatment Options for Teen Depression

For a lot of teens, they do not want to miss school or have others know about their depression. Mental health is a priority and can be treated in an after school program. That is why we offer psychological evaluations, family programs and aftercare that can be conducted in a time that does not conflict with your teen’s routine.

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges. 

Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.

When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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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.