Helping your teen daughter navigate depression

If you’re a parent trying to help your teen daughter through depression, you might feel unsure about where to start. Recognizing depression in teen girls can be challenging. Look out for these common signs:

Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad or empty most of the time.
Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and activities she used to enjoy.
Changes in Sleep: Sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep.
Changes in Eating Habits: Eating too much or not enough, leading to weight changes.
Loss of Energy: Constantly feeling tired or lacking motivation.
Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or angry.
Trouble Concentrating: Difficulty focusing on schoolwork or daily tasks.
Self-Harm: Exhibiting signs of self-injury or talking about self-harm.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. However, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Here are some simple and effective ways to support her.

1. Open Up Communication: The first step is to talk with your daughter about how she’s feeling. Ask her gently about her thoughts and emotions. Show her that you are there to listen without judging. A simple “How are you feeling today?” can make a big difference.

2. Encourage Professional Help: It’s important to get your daughter the help she needs from a mental health professional. Look for a therapist or counselor who has experience working with teens. You can start by talking to your family doctor or searching online for local mental health services.

3. Be Supportive: Let your daughter know that you are on her team. Support her by being patient and understanding. Encourage her to follow her treatment plan, whether it includes therapy, medication, or both.

4. Create a Safe Space: Make sure your home is a place where your daughter feels safe and loved. Avoid putting too much pressure on her to “snap out of it” or be happy all the time. It’s okay for her to have bad days.

5. Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage her to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits can help improve mood and energy levels.

By using these strategies, you can help your teen daughter navigate her depression. Remember, showing love and support is one of the best things you can do for her right now.

Additional Resources:

Organization: Black Girls Smile

Organization: Justice for Black Girls

Organization: Pretty Brown Girls

Book: The State of Black Girls: a go-to guide for creating safe spaces for Black girls