Loving an adolescent who’s struggling with mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, behavioral issues, or anxiety can be one of the most difficult things a parent faces. If you have a child struggling with depression, mental health, or who needs a treatment program, it can be difficult to know what to do first.
The good news is that there are many options for helping a child who is struggling with mental wellness. From prescription drugs and therapists to residential treatment centers, the best thing a parent can do for a struggling child is to begin looking at options. If you have a teen who is struggling, here are some things to look into to help.
Residential Treatment Centers for Teens
Many parents who have teens who struggle with depression are hesitant about reaching out for professional help. They have concerns that their teenagers will be labeled, taken out of the home, or might miss out on important opportunities and milestones. The reality is that residential treatment centers for teenage depression could actually be the best option for your struggling teenager.
Armed with the best psychotherapy modalities, including DBT and CBT, therapists in residential settings can make quick work of helping empower teens. With the ability to help kids with low self-esteem and any mental health disorder, these licensed professionals can offer experiential therapy and a treatment plan in both group therapy and individual settings proven to help with teenage depression.
If your teen suffers from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, an eating disorder, or other mental health issues, you might want to look into an intensive outpatient program or a residential treatment program despite your concerns. An admissions staff member will be happy to address any questions you have, and giving them a call could be a great first step in treating your teen’s major depression, teaching them life skills, and even if your child needs help with relapse prevention.
Prescription Medications
Another way to help your teen is to make sure they have the medication they need. If your teen is already in counseling, they might be on a prescription drug to treat a mood disorder. For some people in the United States, the ability to pay for mental health prescriptions can become a problem. It’s dangerous to leave a mental illness untreated. If your teen has a current prescription and you’re having trouble paying for it, speak to your local pharmacist about drug discount programs. Something as simple as a prescription discount could make a big difference for your child.
Teen Depression Support Groups
Whether your teen sees a counselor for individual therapy or attends a treatment facility, asking about support groups for teens in your local area is another great way to support your struggling teenager. In having a peer network of other kids going through similar circumstances, your teen is less likely to feel alone. Do what you can to encourage your teen to attend a teen support group regularly. Not only will this help to reduce hopelessness, but it will make them feel less isolated and alone.
Online Supports and Family Therapy
If your teen isn’t willing to attend a support group with other teens in person, you can always direct them to an online support group. For some families going through difficult times, family therapy is another great way to help your teen through struggles with mental health. In attending a family therapy session together online or in person, you’ll be showing your teen they have people on their side and giving them the benefit of talk therapy, too.
Open Communication with Your Struggling Teen
One of the most important things you can do for your teen is to remind them that you love them unconditionally through an honest conversation. In listening to their issues and doing what you can to support them, you’ll be offering them comfort and stability, things every struggling teen needs. Offer your child a helping hand and make sure they understand you’re there to support them no matter what.
In the middle of a global pandemic, the world is experiencing a mental health crisis. If your teen is struggling, they are far from alone. Instead of letting mental health issues go untreated, you can help your teenager by calling a treatment center, therapist, or their primary care provider now. In getting your teen help at the first sign of symptoms of depression or behavioral issues, you’ll be in a better position to have them feeling back to themselves soon. When helping your struggling teenager, remind yourself that it’s likely not your fault and do what you can to get help for yourself as well.