Teens, Tech & God

Did you know? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 13.3% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had “at least one major depressive episode” in 2017. That equates to 3.2 million American teens. What’s more, 70.77% of depression sufferers experienced at least one instance of “severe impairment” that interfered with life. What are some of the common signs or symptoms of depression? Fatigue Sleep problems Irritability Headaches, aches, indigestion, etc. Difficulty with concentration Loss of interest in food or compulsive eating Sadness, anxiety, or feeling hopeless Sudden drop in grades Loss of interest in things once enjoyed Use of alcohol or drugs or promiscuous behavior Withdrawal from friends Feelings of worthlessness Suicidal ideation Of course, see a therapist or doctor to get a definite diagnosis! What can parents do if they think their teens are struggling with depression? Here are 15 suggestions to consider: Focus on listening, not lecturing. Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment