No matter what you're going through, no matter how tough it seems right now, things can get better. Reaching out for help can be as simple as talking to someone. If you notice changes in yourself that you do not like, or even if you’re worried about a friend, it’s really helpful to talk to someone. Go to someone you trust, like a family member, doctor, teacher, clergyman, or school counselor.
Today doctors know more about depression and other mental health issues than ever before. They also have better ways to deal with problems so teens can feel better faster.
Mental health treatment may include:
- Psychotherapy - addressing concerns with the patient through “talking therapy”
- Taking antidepressant medications
- A mix of both therapy and medication
Deciding to talk to someone isn’t easy. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for some help. You don’t have to handle tough times on your own. Working with a therapist can help you cope -- a therapist can help figure out what’s causing your problems and help you come up with ways to feel better.
There are specific kinds of talk therapy that are commonly used for teens:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Counseling, often short-term, that looks at how you see the world, and works to shift distorted or destructive perspectives into healthier ones. CBT helps to change negative thinking and behaviors that are connected with depression.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Counseling, often short-term, that examines how relationships in your life that are difficult or stressful may cause or contribute to a mental health disorder.
Both CBT and IPT involve talking – confidentially – with a trained mental health professional, such as a social worker, psychologist, or physician. Therapy can help people cope with problems and prevent them from becoming worse. Most doctors can recommend a therapist.
Another type of treatment, but not usually used, is called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It is a medical procedure usually done at a hospital. Using strict guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association, ECT involves passing an electrical current through the brain. This is used only in the most extreme cases when talk therapy and medication are not working to relieve the symptoms of severe depression. For someone with severe depression or at a serious risk for suicide, ECT may come up when talking about treatment options with their doctor.
Though it’s natural to feel alone sometimes or to worry that things won’t get better, it’s important to remember that depression and other mental health issues are not uncommon at all and that treatments are available and can help teens to live much happier lives.