What to do when a teenager suffers from anxiety and depression
If you're worried about a teen with anxiety or depression and don't know what to do, Fadi Haddad, psychiatrist and author of Helping Kids in Crisis recommends
- Talk about real things. Go beyond triumphs, schedules and obligations. Find out what bothers them at night and what was the best part of the day. Find out about their dreams and concerns, how their life is going.
- Pay attention but don't coddle them. It is necessary to give the necessary space to separate from the parents and at the same time monitor their behavior. Have they stopped activities that they used to like? Have your sleeping or eating habits changed? Is your previously extroverted child isolated? If you are concerned let me know. And he shows interest in his life without passing judgment.
- Resist getting angry. We usually get angry when they lie to us, hide something or have behavior problems. Instead find out what's going on. Say, “It sounds like something is bothering you. I'm here to help. Tell me what's wrong with you."
- Don't wait to seek help. If you are worried about a teenager talk to a psychologist, doctor or therapist. Better act sooner than later
- Treat the whole family. When an adolescent shows problems, changes in the entire family system are necessary. Accept that not only our teenagers have to change.