Teen Depression
The adolescent years can be an intense time, full of rapid physical, emotional and social changes. We here at GenPsych are able to quickly intervene with a more personal approach and a better quality of care. Our therapists have extensive knowledge in adolescent development and psychology, which enables us to specifically design individual treatment plans to help young people thrive. We’ve created a welcoming and judgment-free environment where adolescents can feel safe and comforted – allowing for positive outcomes in treatment. We help all teens overcome their unique challenges at home, in school and socially so they can gain confidence, take control and stay on track. Call 1-855-436-7792 or click to schedule an appointment. For more information on GenPsych’s Adolescent Program, click here.
Teen Depression Treatment in NJ
Depression is an extremely common mental illness, affecting more than 40 million individuals nationwide. For adolescents, depression is just as prevalent, affecting about one in eight teens in America. Clinical depression is marked by persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness or loss of excitement and interest. While it isn’t uncommon for all individuals to experience such feelings at different points in life, depression occurs when such feelings occur over long periods of time and interfere with one’s ability to function day-to-day. For teens, increased hormone activity can cause irregular shifts in moods or feelings. However, understanding and recognizing the common symptoms of depression can help parents to properly assess which moods and behaviors are normal and which may require medical attention or treatment.
Symptoms of Teen Depression
The following symptoms or changes in behavior may indicate depression in teens:
Difficulty focusing
Withdrawal from social activity
Headaches or body aches that persist with treatment
Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or pessimism
Loss of appetite or interest in food
Compulsive overeating
Irresponsibility, such as skipping classes or forgetting assignments
Anxiety
Irregular sleeping patterns
Use of alcohol or drugs
Fixation on death or thoughts of suicide
Sudden drop in grades
Treating Teen Depression
Once diagnosed by a medical professional, teen depression can be addressed in a variety of ways. In most cases, a doctor will recommend psychological therapy, which is often supplemented with medication. Anti-depressants may be prescribed in certain cases and have been shown to be highly effective in treating teen depression. Therapy may be pursued at an outpatient facility or inpatient hospital in severe cases. Trained therapists will work with an individual in one-on-one sessions, group sessions and often family sessions. Through individual therapy, teens suffering with depression will be provided an outlet to communicate their feelings as well as coping mechanisms to help them regulate emotions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to be particularly successful in such cases. Family sessions are additionally important in addressing potential problems at home, keeping parents updated on their child’s progress and providing them with tools and tips to promote positive behaviors.
The GenPsych Adolescent Program offers such therapies, in addition to art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and many more to teens suffering with depression in NJ. Our program works with teens, families and their schools to ensure that individuals are receiving the care they need while staying on track. We also have onsite psychiatrists to assist in the management and prescription of medication. To learn more about GenPsych’s Adolescent Program, visit our website here.
Comments