Currently, Utah is the number 10 state in the U.S. for teen suicide and teen suicide rates are steadily rising. Between 2013 and 2017, teen depression has risen by 6.5%. If you recognize increased depression and suicidal behavior in your Utah teen, you can help your teen find the support they need.
Action Items For Helping Your Teen Manage Depression
- Find the right mental health professional. Locate a therapist that is specialized in working with youth. Your teen will benefit from the advice and guidance from an unbiased, emotionally detached adult who better understands the mental health of a teenager. Regular therapy can give your teen the education and tools necessary for understanding and dealing with teen depression.
- Research therapeutic boarding schools in Utah. Some teens struggle more with depression than others, leading to outbursts, risky behavior, aggression, and more extreme behavioral issues. If your teen fits this description, an in-patient therapy based program could be the best route.
- Use free community resources. Many community centers have programs for helping teens with their emotional and physical health that are absolutely free and truly effective.
- Seek out new hobbies. Finding new activities outside of your teen’s realm of responsibilities gives them more to look forward to in their daily lives. Sometimes they need help finding things they are passionate about. You can introduce new hobbies and activities they may not have discovered without your help.
- Bring mental illness education to your community. NAMI gives mental health education to schools so staff and students can learn how to recognize and help those with depression and other mental health issues.
- Carve out more quality family time. Connecting with parents and siblings is a huge help for teens with depression because they often feel isolated and alone.
- Get away from triggers. With your teen, asses their schedule and the demands on their time. Eliminate extracurricular activities that interfere with their happiness. Evaluate friendships to seek out uplifting and positive peer influence. Limit social media use.
- Improve the academic environment. Teens experience a lot of stress with school assignments, deadlines, tests, and other academic demands. Focus on making education a positive experience. Rearranging their class schedule, customize education plans with their teachers, and work with school administrators to help your teen feel more comfortable with their academic goals.
Valuable Web Resources For Managing Teen Depression
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – Support Group Locator
- DBSA Online Support Groups
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Let the experts at Help Your Teen Now assist you in finding the resources you need to find a solution to teen depression. Contact us today to learn more.
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