We all have low days. People let us down, and life doesn’t seem to go our way. Depressing, isn’t it. These days are common to all of us, but usually, we can snap out of it, find a positive and move on. However, it is important for you to know, being depressed because of a bad day is not the same as having depression. For your teenager, issues around self-image and bullying can compound the problem.

It is possible that you have an understanding of what depression means. You may suffer from it yourself, or know somebody else who does. If this is your child, it is a misconception to assume they can just get a grip and snap out of it. Thankfully, most people now recognize the illness as something real, but there are still those who cannot get their heads around it. Unless you have experienced depression, it can be hard to empathize with those who do.

Why do young people get depressed?

There are many reasons. Bullying is rife among social media, and vile messages posted online are not easy to get rid of. The pressure of tests and exams can play a part too, as is the pressure of transitioning to adult life.

Medical professionals suggest chemical imbalance plays a part and this is why anti-depressant tablets are often subscribed, balancing the chemicals in the brain to regulate a person’s moods. Exercise, healthy eating and rest also play a part in alleviating some of the symptoms of depression, but there is still no hard and fast answer to the cause.

What can you do to help?

As always, be there to support your child. Don’t pretend to know they feel or put pressure on them. That doesn’t mean you can’t be a little sympathetic, however, and offer yourself as somebody to talk too when they need to.

Don’t give advice you are not qualified to offer. Instead, seek help from your doctor or school professional if you are worried. If your child needs space, give it to them, but considering many people with depression suffer from suicidal thoughts you still need to be vigilant.

Depression is real and often has dire consequences

Teenagers are especially susceptible to depression. Stress over college. Conflict with other teenagers, boyfriends and girlfriends. Bullying and harassment from fellow students. As evidenced by the popularity of the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, it’s time for parents to start paying attention. Don’t bury your head in the sand and say it can’t happen to your child. Don’t turn away and hope the problem resolves itself. If you don’t want your teenager to be a victim, be an involved parent.

If you want to spend more time studying the illness, you can take a masters in clinical mental health counseling online. The more educated you are, the better equipped you will be to help your teenager and others.