Depression in teens

Robert Brooks, PhD Psychologist & Author, shares advice for parents on the best steps to take if your teenager is depressed in order to help them with their depression
How to Help Your Teenager with Depression
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Depression in teens

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As a psychologist, I receive many phonecalls about parents who are worried that their child, teen is depressed. And part of the problem in assessing it is that most teens are somewhat moody. But there are certain signs you can use and should look at. If your child´s behavior has changed markedly, if they are much more irritable because one of the signs of depression in teens is irritability. Have their sleeping patterns changed? Have their eating patterns changed? Are they with a new group of kids? Has their school work suffered? So there may be a number of these signs which then should you lead you actually to speak to your teen. The problem is many teens do not want to talk to their parents about it. So one of the things I suggest is if you are really concerned, speak to your child´s pediatrician or family doctor. Get even a referral to a child or adolescent therapist where you could consult with them about your child´s symptoms or what you are seeing, and they could at least help steer you towards a certain direction. They may suggest that the child should come in. They may suggest let´s monitor things. But I always say to parents don´t live with a great deal of anxiety. Get a consultation. Speak to someone who really knows teens and then you can take it from there.

Robert Brooks, PhD Psychologist & Author, shares advice for parents on the best steps to take if your teenager is depressed in order to help them with their depression

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Robert Brooks, PhD

Therapist & Author

Dr. Robert Brooks is a psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School.  He has lectured nationally and internationally and written extensively about the themes of resilience, parenting, family relationships, school climate, and balancing our personal and professional lives. He is the author or co-author of 15 books and has also appeared in several videos pertaining to helping children to become more responsible, self-disciplined, hopeful, and resilient.

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