my teenage daughter is depressed, and I cant find out why? How do I help her?
my teenage daughter is depressed. How do I apprach this and how should I let her speak out?
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As a teenage girl myself I'd say let her speak out. If my parents came to me asking what was wrong I'd get annoyed and defensive personally. Just approach it carefully, never directly. Ask the daily questions but add a bit on the end like 'you seem a bit quiet recently'. Keep it casual instead of going in the deep end with a deep conversation, she'll speak about it deeply to you in time when she feels ready
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Similar to what Kerry said. I developed depression as a teenager and well my mum still doesn't know because I can't speak to her about it. My reason for this is she shall constantly be checking up on me asking if I am ok which she sort of does now. That would make my depression worse. So that would be part of my answer. Kind of just add bits into general conversations but don't go into too much detail or jump straight into it.
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There isn't always a definitive "why", really. She also may not even realize that she is, in fact, depressed.
Try and keep any conversations you do have as nonjudgemental as possible, and hopefully she feels comfortable enough with you to talk to you about it, when she's ready.
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when I was younger my mom used to have a day every month where she would tell me to write down on post-its what was bothering ...she promised not to read them. at first it was hard I dint want her to know...things I guess. but after I wrote everything down we would go out side and burn them.I didnt get it at first but after a few times... I noticed it was like burning the bad things away.I'm kinda glad she did that... I still do this sometimes...
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i was also once a depressed teenager, and much like these other replys i hated my mom constantly asking if i was okay- i didnt understand what was going on myself and it was hard for me to find the vocabulary to express myself. for me there were no real "reasons" for the depression; it was a mixture on genetics and not dealing with anxiety. what helped me was my mom asking if i wanted to talk about it with someone else i.e. a shrink, if i couldn't talk about it with her. and i did, and it helped. this also helped her because she wasnt so stressed about me all the time. i am happy that you show such interest in the matter and that you are seeking out answers- this will make a big difference to her now and as the years go by..good job mom. @ liz22, that is a great idea!! love it
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Be there for her. That's all you can do really, until she's ready to talk. Keep an eye on her, make sure she isn't hurting herself in any way and just let her know that if she needs you, you're there for her.
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Hello, My name is Melina and I am 20. Although, you need to keep an eye on your child and their health, remember there are millions of amazing thoughts going through their minds constantly when they feel anxiety. It's hard to talk to your parents especially someone that might understand you even. There is this wall some female teenagers build up and when someone notices, we panic. It's not that were afraid of getting in trouble, but we don't understand so much that we think it's best to stay quiet.
Also! If your girl has social anxiety she might not tell you everything at first. Always assume she has something to say. Always be listening and responding.
