Teen Depression

Teen Depression is very common today. The pressure society has placed on today's teens to "fit in" (teen peer pressure) is one that can create a child to withdraw and have feelings of low self worth.

When a child, as well as an adult, feels confident within themselves, they don't feel the need to prove themselves to others. They are happy and content with who they are and where they are going in life. However, we have found some teens lack this self-esteem and confidence, which leads them to feel sad and rejected. This may lead to Teen Depression.

Most parents don't recognize this immediately. The teen is trying to be someone they are not, and within time you are dealing with a child that is masking their feelings and escalating out of control. Most times, local therapist* can help your family diagnosis what is causing these feelings of despair.  In some cases it may be clinical depression which may be treated with medications.  However, many times, like with adults, teens feel they are not adequate and cannot keep up with their peers. This can cause their feelings of depression combined with their negative behavior.  

Residential placement can be a place where your child can open up and start to internalize on what and how they are feeling.  If you suspect your teen is suffering with depression, opening the lines of communication is important if possible.  If your child has become withdrawn, not participating in activities as well as spending a lot of time alone, it may be time to seek outside help.

Exhausting all your local resources is first in line, finding the right therapist for your child.  Sometimes seeing a local professional weekly is simply not enough for them to get through their pain. Their depression is very real and is something that should be addressed immediately. These kids are only human and today's life is not easy for adolescents. Especially in the schools today, and the desire with some teens to be in the "cool" peer group. This "cool" peer group is not always the best selection of friends.

If you feel your teen is in need of further Boarding School, Military School or Program Options, please complete our Information Request Form.

*Local Therapist should be Therapist/Counselors that "specialize" with Adolescents.