Parenting Depressed Teens Advice on parenting depressed and out of control teens

Is your child approaching the troubled teen age and are you worried that they may become either depressed or out of control? Emotionally teenagers can be all over the place but as your teen approaches that awkward phrase, which often manifests itself as depression, there are measures that you can take to make a difficult period easier for them and hopefully avoid the need for more drastic measures. Teens are going through hormonal changes and healthy eating is essential to prevent a depressed teen.When anyone is feeling depressed there is a tendency to start tucking into unhealthy comfort food. Make sure your teen is following the Five a Day program, five portions of fruit and vegetable plus plenty of water. A bad diet will result in a bad skin and as many depressed teens feel inadequate and unattractive, suffering from acne will not help. They may not be able to totally avoid spots, but a good diet will certainly help to minimise them. Exercise is equally important, slumped in front of a TV or computer game may well make them feel tired but that is lethargy not physical tiredness. Joining a sports club, riding a bike or even just taking a family picnic to the local park and kicking a ball may all help. There is evidence that exercise naturally increases the body level of chemicals affecting moods. Depressed teens can find relationships with others awkward. They may appear sullen and uncooperative, but often it is because they lack self-confidence. Before they reach this stage try to help them gain confidence through achievement. Not all teens are academically successful, but if they are not, try encouraging them with a creative hobby where they will experience satisfaction that fosters a sense of worth. Good examples are photography, artwork or woodwork. If they are athletic, then competitive sport may help, but remember never to push, the enthusiasm must come from them. Hopefully as a parent you are able to look ahead and start preparing your child for their teens, but if they do start to become depressed then do seek help. Group therapy, where discussing their problems and discovering they are not alone in suffering mixed feelings and emotions may well avoid the need for anti-depressants. Your physician is your friend, if you suspect you have a depressed teen, don't try to treat him or her yourself. Finally please remember that eventually the teen age will pass. Strangulation is a cure but so is the death sentence you may suffer! Parenting Depressed Teens © 2006 Enter your search terms Submit search form Disclaimer Fromtots2teens.com accepts no liability for the content of this site nor for the opinions or information in any article. It does not accept liability for companies linked to this site. Advice on health matters should always be confirmed with a doctor and no liability is accepted for any action taken. Sitemap

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