Young people, feelings and depression
depression; suicide; mood; moods; stress; down; dysthymia; hopelessness; feelings; teenager; sad; myths; stresses; safety; death; risk; anger; angry; anxiety; depressed; unhappy; crisis; bipolar; disorder ; CAMHS; mental ;
Contents
Parents worry when their teenager seems upset or angry a lot of the time.
It can be hard to know what to do, especially if they don't talk about what is bothering them.
- Young people feel lots of emotions as a normal part of growing up.
- Learning to cope with negative feelings is an important life skill for young people. Being 'good at feelings' is more important than feeling happy all the time.
- Parents can help by being available when their child wants to talk, and helping them work through problems. Don't leave them to sort things out alone.
- Some young people may be diagnosed with depression.
Young people and feelings
Young people's lives can be complex. They are dealing with many changes as they grow up.
Their bodies are changing and they are forming their own identity and place in the world. They are working out how to get along with friends and family. Some may also be dealing with difficult issues e.g. sexuality issues, alcohol or drug use, relationship problems or violence.
Young people's thoughts and feelings can be greatly affected by all that's going on.
It's normal for them to feel sad, angry, worried, scared, shamed or frustrated at times. They may feel unhappy sometimes for no clear reason.
These negative feelings may stay with them, or come and go over weeks and months.
When they feel low, young people may:
- be tearful, sad or angry
- feel worthless or guilty
- lack motivation or energy
- lack interest in things they used to enjoy
- have poor concentration or make bad decisions
- stay away from family and friends
- say they feel alone
- eat more or less than usual and gain or lose weight
- have sleep problems.
It can help if young people 'open up' and talk about their negative feelings, and what may be causing them.
Dealing with feelings
Most young people want their negative feelings to stop and to feel happy again. They may:
- try to mask their feelings by using drugs or alcohol
- take risks such as fast driving or unsafe sex
- withdraw from others
- engage in self-harm.
Trying to escape bad feelings in these ways often makes things worse.
The best way for young people to deal with negative thoughts and feelings is to 'open up' and talk about them and what may be causing them.
It will help them avoid emotional problems in the future if they learn to deal with their feelings before an issue becomes a major problem.
How parents can help
You can help by not leaving your child to deal with their situation alone. Be available when they need to talk or need your help to work out an issue e.g. bullying or abuse.
You could also:
- help them to build networks of supportive relationships. It's best if they have more than one group of people to talk to eg. family, school friends, work friends, sport teams, hobby groups
- notice the good things they do and praise them, as long as this doesn't make them feel uncomfortable
- make time to do things with them, one-on-one and as a family
- avoid family conflict as much as you can
- help them to deal with problems as they arise rather than let them build up
- help them to do things you know they enjoy, and to be involved in social and family activities
- help them to eat well, be active and get plenty of sleep
- discourage use of alcohol and drugs.
Try not to get angry if they blame you for their problems. Accept that there will be good days and bad days.
It's not usually helpful to:
- tell them to deal with their feelings by keeping busy or trying to forget them
- tell them to 'snap out of it' or 'get their act together'
- ignore or avoid them.
- If you are worried about your child, talking with your doctor is a good place to start.
Talking with your child
Some young people find it hard to talk with parents about difficult things. It can help to:
- choose a time and place where you are both at ease and will have time to talk
- be open and honest. Tell them you care about them and will always listen or talk when they want to
- ask open-ended questions eg. 'is there something troubling you?'
- show that you've noticed how they seem to be feeling and that you care eg. 'I'm worried that you seem so upset at the moment'
- listen to them. Young people sometimes want to talk without hearing advice. Save suggestions for another time and make neutral comments eg. 'I can see how that would upset you'
- stay calm and in control. Be fair and consistent and think before you react
- be prepared to admit that you don't know everything
- apologise if you get things wrong. This teaches valuable lessons eg. being flexible, communicating well and taking responsibility for your words and actions.
Getting help
Parents
It might be time to get help if:
- talking with your child hasn't helped and you are still worried
- your child's school, work, friendships or social activities are affected
- your child's low feelings persist.
Young people
Tell your child that everyone has problems that they can't work out alone. Encourage them to talk with their doctor, school counsellor, or youth health service.
Let them choose whether they want you to go with them or not. Don't be upset about their choice. It may be easier for them to talk without you there.
If your child doesn't want to talk about their feelings, says that nothing is wrong, or won't talk with a professional, you may have to accept that it's not the right time for them to get help. There's only so much you can do. Be patient until they are ready.
Depression
Some young people who feel low for periods of time may be diagnosed with depression.
People sometimes say they are 'depressed' when they feel sad or low. But depression is more than short-term sadness or a passing phase. It can be a serious condition that needs professional diagnosis and treatment. It can affect the person's thoughts, mood, behaviour and health. It leaves them feeling down for much of the time and makes it hard to cope from day to day.
Sometimes the causes of depression are clear, but sometimes they are not.
Depression can be caused by recent events, long-term stress or a mix of both. It is more likely:
- if someone else in the family has depression
- if someone has low self-esteem, is anxious or overly-sensitive.
There is a range of different treatments for depression varying from counselling and therapy to group and peer support or a combination of these. Antidepressant medication is not recommended for young teenagers. The right treatment will depend on the individual's needs and situation. It is important to persist until the right support is found as often young people are particular about who they will talk to.
Let your child know you care about them and how they are feeling. Be ready to talk with them, or just listen.
Self harm and suicide
Most people who are unhappy or diagnosed with depression do not hurt themselves (self harm) or attempt suicide. But some young people do think about these and act on their thoughts.
Some young people self harm by cutting their skin. This causes pain that helps the pain of their thoughts and feelings to go away for a while. If your child is doing this it's important to let them know that you are worried about them. Seek professional help.
Some young people consider suicide. Usually they don't want to die; they just want the pain of their feelings to stop.
Signs that a young person may be thinking about suicide include:
- talk or threats of suicide
- previous attempts
- hints e.g. 'I won't be a problem for you much longer'
- giving away their possessions or getting things in order.
All threats of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously.
Seek professional help. Some contacts are provided at the end of this Guide. Give these contacts to your child too.
Some people think that talking about suicide may put the idea into a child's head. But talking openly about suicide can help a young person to talk about their feelings and look for other ways to stop their pain. Talking also helps you to find out what your child is thinking.
If your child is thinking of suicide, help them work out how they will stay safe now, and in the weeks to come. Ask them what help they need from you.
All threats of suicide and self-harm should be taken seriously.
Looking after yourself
Parents can feel tired, angry or upset when their child is unhappy or depressed.
It is important to look after yourself so that you can help your child. Take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Try to exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep. Talk with supportive family members and friends.
Resources
South Australia
Lifeline
Phone 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health services
www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone 1300 659 467, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Crisis counselling for people at risk of suicide and their carers
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline
Phone 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For phone, web or email counselling, resources and activities for young people
www.kidshelp.com.au
Youth Helpline
Phone 1300 13 17 19, 9am–5pm Monday to Friday
A telephone service for young people aged 12 to 25 years
http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=187
Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
9am–5pm Monday to Friday
Counselling services for children and young people 0–18 years
The Second Story:
Free, confidential health service and support for young people 12–25 years
9am–5pm Monday to Friday
- City: Phone 8232 0233
57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- North: Phone 8255 3477
Gillingham St, Elizabeth
- South: Phone 8326 6053
50A Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- West: Phone 8268 1225
Bower St, Woodville
Websites
Reachout
Information and resources on topics including depression and mental health issues
www.reachout.com.au
Youth beyondblue
Information and resources for young people, parents and carers on depression, anxiety and other mental health issues
Phone 1300 22 4636
www.youthbeyondblue.com
Headroom
Mental health and wellbeing information for young people, parents and carers
www.headroom.net.au
Headspace
The National Youth Mental Health Foundation provides health advice, support and information to young people 12–25 years
www.headspace.org.au
Parenting SA
For Parent Easy Guides eg. 'Living with teens', 'Young people and drugs', 'Young people and parties,' 'Cybersafety', 'Abuse of parents' and parent groups in your area
www.parenting.sa.gov.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex.