‘Parents can help teens get out of depression’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 3

Depression in youth is increasing with each passing day. The main reason behind it is rising competition and aspirations of parents from their wards. Only parents can perform a pivotal role in helping children come out of depression. Communication is a major tool that is to be used in the process.

Depression in teens includes a change in previous attitude and behaviour that can cause distress and problems at school, home, in social activities, besides other areas of life.

While discussing depression among adolescents, Dr Anshul Mahajan, a consultant psychiatrist, said, “There are multiple reasons behind depression in teenagers. Teens can develop feelings of worthlessness, social status with peers, school performances, sexual orientation or environmental stress.”

“Parenting teens can be very challenging. There are some effective parenting and communication techniques, which can be used to lower the stress level,” he added.

“Replace shame and punishment with positive reinforcement for good behaviour. Overprotecting or making decisions for teens can be perceived as a lack of faith in their abilities. This can make them feel less confident. Take time to listen to his/her concerns. Keep lines of communication open,” he said.

Another clinical psychiatrist, Dr Aakash Mehra said health care professionals could determine if a teen had depression through interviews and psychological tests. The teen along with his/her family members, teachers and peers could undergo tests and interview, he added.

He said, “The severity of teen depression and risk of suicide are determined on the basis of assessment of these interviews.”

“Family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is contributing to a teen’s depression. The teen will also need support from family or teachers to help with any school or peers problem. Occasionally, hospitalisation in a psychiatric unit may be required for teenagers with severe depression,” he added.