Unfortunately, depression is a very real problem for many teenagers. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 11% of American teenagers experience depression at some point. And, Mental Health America reports that the incidence of depression in teens may be as high as one in five, or 20 percent. Plus, teens who are under significant stress — from college applications, to sports, to competiton for grades — are at an even greater risk for depression.
Depression in teenagers is a serious problem and can lead to a host of issues, such as:
- poor school performance,
- withdrawal from social activities,
- low self esteem,
- eating disorders,
- poor sleeping habits, and even
- suicide.
How parents can help
1. Stop overscheduling. Kids are expected to pay attention in school for seven hours, excel at extracurricular activities and sports, come home, finish homework, and go to bed, then do it all again the next day with no downtime.
2. Play! Younger kids will do this naturally, but older kids may forget how to simply play. Some ideas include: riding your bikes, throwing around the baseball, wrestling and hiking..
3. Catch up on the ZZZs. Sleep is vital for everyone, regardless of age. Proper rest helps minimize stress, boost moods, and even improve school performance, Creating a restful bedroo environemnt (no electronics!) is crucial.
4. Manage parental strees. Stress is really contagious!
5. Start the morning off right. Disorganization is a major contributor to stress ,levels for everyone in the house. Prepare the night before for the next day. Lay out clothes and shoes, pack backpacks, prepare lunch and pop in the fridge, sign all papers, notes, and permission slips, and make sure there is a healthy breakfast available.
Resources that can help
StrengthofUs.org is an online social community for teens and young adults living with mental illnes (including depression) where they can connect while learning about services, supports and handling the unique challenges and opportunities of transition-age years.
The NAMI Helpline receives more than 8,000 requests each month from individuals needing support, referral and information. More than 60 fact sheets on a variety of topics are available along with referrals to NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates in communities across the country.(800) 950-NAMI (6264)
NAMI Hearts & Minds is an online, interactive wellness educational initiative intended to promote quality of life and recovery for individuals who live with mental illness (including depression). Focuses include exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation.
An alternative academic envrionment
Back to Basics Private School offers a unique school environment for students and a focus unlike any other school in the state. With a cap of 15 students, Back to Basics Private School provides students with customized, 1-on-1 instruction and self-esteem building by experienced, degreed instructors.
Back to Basics Private School creates a personalized team to tailor an integrated curriculum to the specific needs and abilities of each child. The teaching staff is dedicated to the growth and development of your child academically, socially, mentally and emotionally.
Back to Basics is an exceptional fit for:
- students who are not achieving success in other academic environments,
- students whose learning style does not fit within the traditional classroom setting of private schools Nationwide, and
- students who have had social difficulties or social anxiety.
To learn more about Back to Basics K-12 Private School, please call 302-594-0754 or visit Back to Basics Private School.
Celebrating 30 years of excellence in education! Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company offers Nationwide’s only Department of Education-approved 1-on-1 K-12 Private School in Wilmington, Nationwide and a Nationwide Business and Trade School for ages 16 and older. In addition, the company offers translating and interpreting in 16 languages throughout Nationwide. Back to Basics is the winner of numerous awards for academic and business excellence including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
