If you even slightly suspect your teenager may be suffering with depression, it is important you seek the relevant help. Even if you are not 100-percent sure what the problem is, emotional, irritable and bothersome behavior all add up to a troubled teen. When you first approach your teenager, it is important you are not judgmental about their feelings or behavior. Explain to them gently exactly what you have noticed that has led to you feeling concerned and encourage them to be open about what the root cause may be. It is not unusual for a depressed teen to feel isolated and misunderstood. This, in turn, can make it difficult for them to be honest about how they are really feeling.

Living with a troubled teen can be emotionally draining, as well as frustrating. However, it is important you remember that your teenager is not behaving this way to get at you. If you feel angry and exhausted, remember that your love and support is paramount to motivating your teen to accept and manage their illness. Exercise has been medically proven to radically improve the mood of people suffering from depressive disorders. Something as simple as walking the dog can infinitely improve the way your troubled teen feels. Once they feel energized, your teenager will be more likely to feel motivated to do other things

You should encourage your teenager to keep up with their educational responsibilities. Explain to them, that while it may feel like hard work at the moment it will be worth it in the long run. Encourage them to talk about their ambitions, making sure to point out their positive attributes and achievements. It is not uncommon for a troubled teen to feel like a failure and that they have let their family down. Pointing out their achievements will increase your teenager’s confidence and motivate them to keep doing well.

People diagnosed with depression are usually treated successfully with a combination of therapy and medication. If your teen attends counseling, ask them if they want you to attend with them. If they go alone, ensure you ask them how the session went afterward and encourage them to open up to you. It is essential that you and the rest of your family are a strong support network for your teenager.

If you’ve explored all other avenues for help with your teen you may want to look into specialized schools for problem teenagers.