The Cloud With No Silver Lining:  Helping Teen Girls Escape the Fog of Depression

By Craig Rogers

Depression sucks, there’s no doubt about it.  Kids usually keep it to themselves and that’s not the best thing to do. It’s not easy for them to share how they feel, especially when it will affect everyone else.  Most young people won’t tell anyone what they’re going through and because of it, they suffer in silence.  When a child is depressed, they can’t sleep, they feel like they’re alone and they can’t even be happy hanging out with their friends.  This mental disorder should not be kept a secret.  But, parents can help their daughters escape the fog of despair. 

Trinity Teen Solutions treatment for depression has helped many troubled girls come back from the pit of despair and find recovery.  If you have a daughter who needs the help of these critical services, call Trinity Teen Solutions at 855-631-4424.

The Mysterious Fog

Professionals believe that this adolescent despair may be caused by chemical changes in the brain.  However, it is somewhat of a mystery.  Some researchers believe it may be activated by stressful events, such as the death of a friend or relative, a bad breakup or failing grades, while others believe it may be a gene problem.  It is probably a combination of several issues.

When asked, teens with this mental disorder have a hard time describing how they feel, and everyone experiences it differently.  But, there are some common symptoms that nearly all of them experience.

Feeling worthless

Constantly feeling irritable, sad, or angry

Sleeping too much or not enough

Thinking about death or suicide

Frequent, unexplained headaches, body aches

Cries over anything

Nothing seems fun anymore, no point in trying

Unexplained weight gain or loss

Feeling helpless and hopeless

Lack of concentration 

Ways to Help Your Adolescent

Encourage them to open up

Offer support

Be gentle but persistent 

Listen without lecturing

Validate feelings

Provide professional treatment

Do not rely on medication alone

Be understanding

Encourage physical activity

Encourage social activity

Stay involved in treatment

Avoid the blame game

As your child goes through treatment, the most important thing you can do is to let her know that you’re there to listen and offer support.  Now more than ever, your teenager needs to know that she is valued, accepted, and cared for.  Catch the disorder before it becomes even close to thoughts of suicide. Suicide is not an option.