Protect your teen’s mental health. Talk to your teen and your teen’s doctor about depression.
Talk to your teen’s doctor about depression screening.
Ask the doctor to screen your child for depression. If you are worried about your teen, tell the doctor. Find out what services are available in case your teen needs treatment.
What about cost?
Screening for depression is covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, your teen may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider.
Even if you don’t have health insurance, free and low-cost mental health services are available. Find mental health services near you.
Write down any concerns you have.
Keep track of your teen’s actions and words that make you think she might be depressed. If you see a change in your child’s behavior, make a note about the change and when it happened. Include details like:
- How long the behavior has been going on
- How often the behavior happens
- How serious you think it is
You can share these notes with your teen’s doctor. You can also use them to start a conversation with your teen.
Watch for signs that your teen may be thinking about suicide.
Most people who are depressed don’t attempt suicide, but depression can increase the risk of suicide and suicide attempts. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24.
These behaviors may be signs your teen is thinking about suicide:
- Threatening to kill or hurt himself
- Taking dangerous risks like driving recklessly
- Spending less and less time with friends and family
If your child is showing some or all of these warning signs, get help right away.
Find resources for your teen.
If your teen isn’t ready to talk to you about her feelings, there are still things you can do. Help your child find resources online and in the community that are just for her.
Make a list with your teen of other people she can go to with problems or questions, like a teacher, guidance counselor, or adult friend. Point out ways she can get information anonymously (without giving her name).
Remind your teen that you are there if she wants to talk.