When teens live with depression or anxiety, they often try to cover up their symptoms for fear of stigma. They usually do not turn to their parents or other adults and instead try to deal with their emotional pain on their own, which often involves harmful behaviours like drinking or drug use. Recognising the signs of depression in teen boys and girls can help you know if your child may need behavioural health treatment.
At Venture Academy, we understand that teaching your teen healthy coping mechanisms for stress and mental health can be challenging. You do not have to take on your child’s struggles on your own. Our Venture Academy is here to help you and your child get through depression together. Our behavioural health treatment programs are designed specifically to help young people navigate their challenges. Reach out to us today online or at 866.762.2211 to learn more about our depression treatment programs for teens.
The Importance of Healthy Coping Mechanisms in Teens
Healthy coping mechanisms in teens are among the most essential life skills a child can learn. Unfortunately, not enough time is spent on this in schools, and not all parents are able to teach these skills themselves. In fact, many parents are still struggling with healthy coping mechanisms in their own lives. However, that does not mean your child is destined to struggle with living with depression.
Programs designed to teach teens healthy coping mechanisms can help them manage difficult situations and uncomfortable emotions caused by stress, peer pressure, school, relationships, and other common concerns for young adults.
Healthy coping mechanisms can help your teen:
- Choose helpful rather than destructive behaviours when dealing with stress
- Avoid the temptation to use drugs or alcohol to manage mental health conditions
- Develop healthy self-esteem and feel comfortable standing up for themselves
- Set and follow through on healthy boundaries in relationships
- Identify healthy behaviours that promote self-care and overall well-being
- Learn how to feel good about themselves without needing approval from others
- Enhance healthy communication skills to improve interpersonal relationships
Trying to take on the responsibility of teaching your teen healthy coping skills can be overwhelming. One of the best things you can do is lead by example and demonstrate the use of healthy coping mechanisms in your own life. However, some teens may not be open to hearing what their parents say about dealing with problems. In some cases, they may be more receptive when the advice comes from another adult or even a peer. Rather than getting frustrated if your teen does not want to hear your suggestions, reach out to a local program designed to help teens learn healthy ways to deal with their problems.
Recognising Depression in Teen Boys and Girls
Without healthy coping mechanisms, teens are vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Some signs of depression in teen boys and girls include:
- Irritability, grumpiness, moodiness
- Poor self-esteem, negative self-talk
- Isolating themselves from most people
- Frequent complaints of aches and pains like headaches and stomachaches
- Decline in grades
- Loss of interest in activities
- Self-harm
- Substance use
Teens who do not have healthy coping skills are more likely to struggle with mental health conditions like depression since they cannot handle stress constructively. If you believe your child may be living with depression, encourage them to speak with a therapist.
Explore Behavioural Health Treatment for Teens at Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, we understand that seeing your teen struggle with depression can be difficult. Despite your best efforts, you cannot take away all of their emotional pain on your own. We offer behavioural health treatment designed specifically for teens. Our experienced counsellors can help them learn the healthy coping mechanisms they need to manage their problems and prevent mental health conditions from overpowering them. Learn more about how our depression treatment for teens can help your child by calling Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or filling out our online form.
