Tanya's Story
In the last few months, Tanya, 14, frequently seemed angry and self-critical. Her grades began to slip, and she started avoiding contact with her family. Despite her protests that she wasn't depressed, her parents brought her to a child psychologist.
The therapist empathized with Tanya's anger and explained that anger could block out feelings such as sadness, shame, and disappointment. Perhaps Tanya was more than just angry.
Tanya gradually was able to talk about her feelings and problems. Her parents were involved with the therapy and worked on ways in which they could be more understanding and helpful. As Tanya became more responsive, her parents stopped being so intrusive.
Over the next 8 months, Tanya was able to examine what made her depressed, and how to respond in ways that are more constructive when things go wrong.
Be Alert to These Warning Signs
- Sad, irritable, or bored most of the day, nearly every day
- Decreased interest in formerly enjoyable activities
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Aches and pains with no physical cause
- Slowing down of movements
- Difficulty concentrating; worsening academics
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt
- Onset or increase in alcohol or drug use
Common Treatments for Teen Depression
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
| Antidepressant medication (Prozac®, Paxil®, Wellbutrin®) | May help teen to feel and function better. Best in combination with talk therapy. | In children and adolescents, may trigger the opposite effect - anxiety and suicidal ideation. |
| ADHD medication (Concerta®, Adderall®, Ritalin®) | May offer focus and less distractibility Can motivate teens to do better academically and socially | Risk of abuse and addiction May cause sleep disturbances and diminished appetite; increases risk of cardiac problems. |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy | This type of therapy concentrates on realistic, short-term goals. | This goal-oriented approach may be difficult for a depressed teen to embrace. |
Deb Moore 02/08/08
Vicki:
Sometimes you have to take the risk in friendship for the good of the child. You could begin your talk with S by telling her that she is your friend and that friends sometimes have to tell each other things they might not want to hear, that you love her dearly and only want the best for her and her family, then proceed to give your viewpoint. Sometimes what you have to say is not always taken in the context it should be but then if it is true reciprocating friendship, S will take what you have to say into consideration. If she does not, then your other alternative is to talk with a school counselor about the situation. You may feel you are stepping into territory you have no business in but this is for the good of a child and is not about you or S.
Remember the Serenity Prayer - God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
This may be where you need Courage to make a difference in the life of a child. If S breaks off the friendship, then she was not a true friend in the first place. Friends are able to tell each other things that each of them might not want to hear and still be friends afterwards.
You know the hurt of depression; don't ignore the child.
Good luck in whatever you do1
D.
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