Understanding The Reality Of Your Boy’s Depression

Sometimes it is hard to think of the boys as susceptible to depression. However depression amongst teenage boys is almost on par with teenage girls. As parents we need to do a better job of letting our boys know that it is okay to have feelings and express feelings. In fact it is called emotional intelligence but it is one part of human intelligence boys are not often encouraged to develop. As the world becomes more complicated because of technology and social factors bullies tend to lag behind girls in their ability to cope emotionally.

Signs Of Depression In Boys

Since depression is usually twice is more common in girls most parents are not aware of how depression manifests in young men. Boys typically need to a large catalyst to trigger clinical depression. They are more prone to physical displays of anger or aggression which can be confused with changes in male hormones. For boys depression typically manifests before the age of 10 which is just at that time when boys are becoming more hormonal. Over the age of 10 and through adulthood, boys and men suffering from depression are also much more likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, and escapism with sports or video games to cope with their feelings.

The Reality Of Teen Depression - Infographic

Learn more about Teen Depression at Liahona Academy.

Emotional Intelligence: The Gender Neutral Response

With depression in boys on the rise, teaching our boys to embrace their emotional intelligence will help become better able to cope. For generatio will ns, boys have been taught to be tough, strong, and to not cry. However especially over the past 2-3 generations traditional gender roles have flattened considerably. Boys haven’t quite caught up with assuming traditionally female emotional expression such as poetry in the way teenage girls have accepted what once would have been considered masculine such as excelling in sports. Girls are really in a position to have it all with regard to using emotional intelligence to navigate and ever-changing society. The only way for boys to catch up is for parents to help boys increase their emotional intelligence. Boys have all the same emotions as girls so it is time for them to learn how to express those emotions. Girls typically are taught to express their feelings in positive ways so it almost begs the question, “Why haven’t we been doing this with our boys?” The mental and emotional health of our sons quite literally depends on our response as parents.

Give your teenage son ways to “C” how to avoid or manage depression:

  • Communication. Give boys the opportunity to express themselves when they are feeling emotional.
  • Connection. Stay in touch with your teenage son so he has plenty of opportunities to tell you what’s going on in his world.
  • Competition. Help boys understand the rules of healthy competition and the importance of keeping ego in check.
  • Criticism. Boys are just as susceptible to the effects of criticism as girls so make sure they have an opportunity to express frustration in healthy ways.

If you can give your sons the opportunity to learn how to navigate the sometimes frustrating world of emotions you quite likely can prevent depressive episodes from happening in the first place. Create a safe emotional environment for your son and help him develop the confidence he needs to express himself. It will probably take practice for both of you but it will absolutely be worth it.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

13 Aug, 2015

Recent Posts

Finding the Right Boys Home For Your Teen Son

Finding the Right Boys Home For Your Teen Son

Finding the right solution for your teen son who may be in crisis is essential to ensure his future is steady, stable, and on the right track. Teen boys struggling with mental health or behavioral issues often need therapeutic intervention. The right boy's home can...

Improve Teen Grades in 6 Easy Ways

Improve Teen Grades in 6 Easy Ways

Parents usually think teens are just being lazy when they have bad grades. And for some kids, that could be true. But many teens aren't lazy; they just need to learn how to study or organize properly to be successful in school. Others teens have ADHD and other mental...

Defiant Teenager Help and Resources

Defiant Teenager Help and Resources

When your little one was born, there are good odds you were warned about the terrible twos and threes being the most problematic years to deal with. In truth, the pre-teen and teen years can bring with them the most challenges for parents. Your teen may be slipping at...

How CBT is Improving Teen Therapy

How CBT is Improving Teen Therapy

A practical therapeutic approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, examines how the environment and preconceptions influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to teach people how to identify irrational thought processes that...

What Happens When You Kick Out Your Teenager

What Happens When You Kick Out Your Teenager

As much as you love your teenager, there may come a day when you look at your options for having them leave your home to protect yourself and the other family members better. You may have tried just about everything you can think of to try and get your troubled teen...

Winter Activities to do with your Teen

Winter Activities to do with your Teen

Winter can be a challenging time to find fun and engaging activities to do with your teen. Sure, it’s easy to leave them with an iPad and a movie, but unless you want them mindlessly scrolling all day, there needs to be a bit more structure to your cold-weather...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *