Teenage Depression Therapy in Colorado Springs
What happened to my teenager's energy?
Your son or daughter doesn't seem like themselves anymore. They're sleeping in all the time. They don't feel like doing the things they used to love. They are eating a lot more or less than they used to. The energy they used to have for life is gone, and this may have been happening for a while.
You've done everything you can think of. You've encouraged them, reminded them of how they used to be, tried to help them see the positive in things—but nothing is working.
Depression saps energy and enjoyment out of life, but it doesn't have to stay this way. Your child can enjoy life again and learn how to be resilient in the ups and downs they face.
Depression Counseling, in Colorado Springs, can help your child change their perspective and open up to energy and excitement—both for the now and for the future.
Our Colorado Springs therapy can help your child feel like themselves again!
Through teenage depression therapy your child will learn how to:
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find enjoyment in life
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regain interest in hobbies and friendships
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develop a carefree spirit so they can authentically smile, laugh, and joke
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become interested in hanging out with you and others
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develop a vision for their future
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be able to express their thoughts, feelings, and moods
Your teen will benefit most from teenage depression therapy if:
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they are at least 12 years old
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they have given up on their hobbies and social life
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their grades have slipped and they're not performing well academically
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they are eating and sleeping either a lot more or a lot less than they used to
How do I know if my teenager has depression?
If you think your teenager might be struggling with depression, it's important to be aware of the signs and find help.
Here are some common symptoms of depression in teenagers:
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Changes in mood and behavior: If you notice your teen is experiencing drastic mood swings, or exhibiting negative behaviors like irritability, anger, or sadness, it could be a sign of teenage depression.
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Lack of interest in activities: Teens with depression often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also show little to no enthusiasm for school, social events, or hobbies.
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Changes in sleep patterns: Depression can cause insomnia or excessive sleep, leading to fatigue and lethargy.
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Changes in appetite: A loss of appetite or overeating may be indicators of depression in teens.
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Difficulty concentrating: Depression can make it difficult for teens to focus and concentrate on tasks, leading to a decline in school performance.
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Physical complaints: Depression can manifest itself in physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle pain.
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: If you hear your child talking about self-harm or suicide, it is a serious warning sign and immediate professional help is necessary.
It's important to remember that every teenager is unique and may experience different symptoms of depression. But if you observe any of these signs in your child, don't hesitate to seek help from a Colorado Springs therapist. We can diagnose and provide effective treatment options.
Remember, depression isn't a personal failure or weakness, but a treatable medical condition. Your child deserves love, support, and the chance to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
How is depression diagnosed?
Diagnosing depression can be a difficult process, but it is important to seek professional help if you think your teenager is struggling. Here are some steps involved in diagnosing depression:
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Medical evaluation: A doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your child's symptoms to rule out any physical health conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
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Mental health assessment: A therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if your child is experiencing depression. This may include a psychological evaluation, a discussion of symptoms, and a review of medical and family history.
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Diagnostic criteria: The depression therapist will use diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine if your child meets the criteria for depression.
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Depression screening tests: A mental health professional may use a depression screening test, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to help diagnose depression.
It's important to understand that a diagnosis of depression isn't a one-time event, but a process that involves ongoing assessments and evaluations. A therapist will work with you and your teenager to determine the best course of treatment.
How can therapy help my teenager with their depression?
You may feel concerned about your teenager and their mental health. Maybe you have noticed that they are struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of motivation. Maybe you have noticed changes in their behavior or daily routines, or you are simply worried about their well-being. Whatever your concerns, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that there is hope and help available to your teenager.
One of the most valuable resources that you have at your disposal is depression therapy. Depression therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on helping individuals who are struggling with depression to heal and move forward. It is a safe and supportive space where your teenager can explore their feelings and experiences, and work towards rebuilding their life and finding a sense of hope and purpose.
I know that the idea of therapy can be intimidating or even scary for some people. Maybe you feel like you should be able to handle your teenager's problems on your own, or maybe you are worried about what others will think. These are completely understandable concerns, and I want you to know that it takes a lot of courage and strength to seek out help, and that your teenager deserves to be supported and cared for.
Depression therapy is a place where your teenager can be heard, understood, and accepted, without judgment or criticism. Their therapist is there to provide them with a compassionate and non-judgmental ear, and to offer them guidance and support as they navigate their challenges and heal from their depression.
One of the primary benefits of depression therapy is that it provides your teenager with the opportunity to process and understand their experiences. It can be a time to explore their feelings and thoughts about their depression, and to work through any lingering pain or hurt. Depression therapy can also help your teenager to develop healthy coping skills and strategies for managing their emotions and stress. Whether they are struggling with specific issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem, or simply looking for ways to improve their overall well-being, depression therapy can provide them with the tools they need to move forward and make positive changes in their life.
Depression therapy is also a place where your teenager can work through feelings of isolation and disconnection. If your teenager is feeling like they are on their own, or like no one understands what they are going through, depression therapy can provide them with a sense of connection and support. It can be a place where they can feel seen and heard, and where they can start to rebuild their sense of self and purpose.
I want you to know that you are not alone in this, and that you don't have to navigate your teenager's struggles on your own. There is help available to you, and I hope you will consider taking this important step towards healing and growth. Depression therapy can be a difficult and emotional process, but it can also be incredibly liberating and empowering. Your teenager deserves to be happy and fulfilled, and they have the power to create a positive and meaningful life for themselves.
Are you open to exploring therapy for your teenager?
The depression counseling process for teenagers in Colorado SPRINGS :
Therapy will help your son or daughter identify the areas of life where they’re feeling depressed. The therapist will help them with coping skills and lead them through practices that heal their brain so that they can adapt to what's depressing them.
Each therapy session is 50 minutes long. For best results in treating depression, we recommend at least eight consecutive weeks of therapy. This timeframe helps the child and therapist move beyond surface conversations and develop a relationship that focuses on deep healing. Once the relationship has been established, sessions can be moved to biweekly or, if the child has resolved his or her significant struggles, can begin to move toward termination.
wHAT TO EXPECT
wEEK 1:
The first week is the intake session. Colorado’s laws allow for teenagers to be in charge of their own information; the depression therapist will discuss with teenagers the value of including their parents and/or families in counseling. The intake session also involves beginning to establish a warm and welcoming relationship between therapist and client, so your child feels comfortable opening up and working on their issues in subsequent sessions.
Week 2 and THE FOLLOWING weeks:
The early weeks of depression therapy will involve building rapport. This is crucial; young people will be more willing to open up and will have greater success addressing their struggles if they trust their therapist. The therapist will evaluate the child’s needs and use a combination of depression therapies determined to be the best fit for the unique needs of your son or daughter. Your child will also receive homework to be practiced at home. Ongoing and consistent application of skills and tools is necessary for growth.
Intermountain Counseling is committed to creating a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for teens and preteens so they feel empowered and equipped to overcome the obstacles in their life.
Termination:
Termination is the agreed-upon ending of the therapeutic relationship once goals are achieved and takes 1 to 3 sessions, depending on your child's needs. The therapist will coordinate with the client to determine what is appropriate. Therapy should be a springboard into life; it’s vital that the relationship not be ended prematurely, which would undermine everything your child has work toward. If termination is deemed appropriate, the therapist will work with your child to establish a plan moving forward so that change remains consistent.