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Teen depression: Prevention begins with parental support
How can parents prevent teen depression?
You may be able to help prevent teen depression by promoting your child's physical and mental health. Research has shown the following steps can make a difference, including:
- Praising your child's skills. A 2008 study showed that children who struggled academically in core subjects in first grade were more likely to display negative self-perceptions and symptoms of depression in sixth grade. Meet with teachers to find out how your child is doing in school. If your child is having trouble in school, be sure to praise his or her other strengths — whether in music, athletics, relationships or other areas.
- Promoting participation in organized activities. Research shows that playing team sports or taking part in other organized activities can help prevent teen depression by boosting a child's self-esteem and increasing his or her social support network. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities.
- Encouraging physical activity. A small number of studies show that physical activity — regardless of the level of intensity — may slightly reduce teen depression and anxiety. While further studies are needed, there's no doubt that physical activity can improve your child's overall health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adolescents get one hour or more of physical activity a day.
- Providing parental support. In a 2008 study, researchers suggested that the link between low family income and childhood depression might be explained by exposure to stressful events such as divorce or separation or low levels of parental support. Higher levels of parental support seemed to offer protection from depressive symptoms. Remind your child that you care by listening, showing interest in his or her problems, and respecting his or her feelings.
- Talking to your child. One of the early warning signs of teen depression is a sense of isolation. Set aside time each day to talk to your child. This step can be crucial in preventing further isolation, withdrawal and progressive depression.
What if my child is at risk of teen depression?
If you're concerned that your child will develop teen depression, consider taking extra preventive steps. Recent research has shown some protective benefits for children of depressed parents who participated in depression prevention programs involving cognitive behavioral therapy — a type of psychotherapy — or efforts aimed at enhancing their resiliency. Further study of depression prevention programs is needed, however. Consult a mental health professional about the options and what might work best for your child.
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References
- Beardslee WR, et al. A family-based approach to the prevention of depressive symptoms in children at risk: Evidence of parental and child change. Pediatrics. 2003;112:e119.
- Garber J, et al. Prevention of depression in at-risk adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;301:2215.
- Larun L, et al. Exercise in prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression among children and young people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006;CD004691.
- Williams SB, et al. Screening for child and adolescent depression in primary care settings: A systematic evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics. 2009;123:e716.
- Merry S, et al. Psychological and/or educational interventions for the prevention of depression in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004;CD003380.
- Babiss LA, et al. Sports participation as a protective factor against depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents as mediated by self-esteem and social support. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 2009;30:1.
- Gladstone TRG, et al. The prevention of depression in children and adolescents: A review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;54:212.
- Herman KC, et al. Low academic competence in first grade as a risk factor for depressive cognitions and symptoms in middle school. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 2008;55:400.
- Parenting corner Q&A: Self-esteem. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BK5_SelfEsteem_High.htm. Accessed Sept. 14, 2009.
- FAQs on child and adolescent depression. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. http://www.aacap.org/cs/child_and_adolescent_depression_resource_center/faqs_on_child_and_adolescent_depression. Accessed Sept. 14, 2009.
- Tracy M, et al. What explains the relation between family poverty and childhood depressive symptoms? Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2008;42:1163.
- Mason MJ, et al. Adolescents' social environment and depression: Social networks, extracurricular activity and family relationship influences. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 2009;16:346.
- The depressed child. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/the_depressed_child. Accessed Sept. 21, 2009.
- 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/default.aspx. Accessed Sept. 21, 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 22, 2009.
- Wall CA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 9, 2009.
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