Now, more than ever, teenagers are struggling. With rising rates of depression, our teens need help. They need compassionate experts who genuinely care about their mental health. Chrysalis School is a therapeutic boarding school offering holistic treatment (emotional, physical, and relational) for teen girls in a home-like setting. Our students leave Chrysalis School with improved emotional and physical health and are prepared for academic and social success.
Learn more about depression in teen girls, signs of depression in teens, and how Chrysalis School can help get your daughter the treatment she needs.
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What Is Depression in Teen Girls?
Depression in teen girls is a medical illness that interferes with daily activities, including eating, sleeping, socializing, and time management. With depression comes low energy, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite, making it a common and serious condition that requires treatment. A lot of the time, treatment for depression is centered around psychotherapy and may also include antidepressants.
Depression, including major depression and major depressive disorder, does not discriminate between genders and can appear at any age. However, by the teenage years, girls are at a much higher risk than boys. In fact, by mid-adolescence, girls are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder as boys. Abused and neglected teens are also at a higher risk of depression during their teen years, as are young people who have experienced trauma or disruptions at home.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenage Girls?
Different than sadness, depression in teens does not relieve itself with the passage of time. These questions can help you determine if your daughter has depression:
- Has she withdrawn from her social groups?
- Is she spending more time alone?
- Has she lost interest in activities she used to enjoy?
- Does she feel sad, anxious, or ‘empty’?
- Does she feel hopeless?
- Would she say everything is ‘going wrong’?
- Does she feel helpless or worthless?
- Is she irritable most of the time?
- Does she feel restless or have trouble being still?
- Does she always feel tired, like she cannot get enough sleep?
- Has she ever considered harming herself?
It is important to note that not everyone with depression has every symptom. Some may have only a few while others have nearly all.
What are the Causes of Depression in Teen Girls?
The causes of depression in teen girls can be multifaceted and complex. It can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. According to the National Institutes of Health, hormonal changes during puberty, genetics, and developmental causes may contribute to a depressed mood and depression in teen girls. Additionally, societal pressures, academic stress, family conflicts, stressful childhood events, trauma, low self-esteem, and social media influence can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and depression in teenage girls.
Recognizing and Addressing Suicide Warning Signs in Teen Girls
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide in depressed teenage girls can help parents identify this mental health condition before it gets worse. Many teens struggling with depression may harbor thoughts or talk of suicide, which can manifest as a shift in behavior or mood. If your daughter exhibits a sudden withdrawal from friends and family, displays a lack of interest in activities she once enjoyed, or frequently talks about feeling hopeless, it’s essential to take these signs seriously. A significant risk factor for suicide is when a teen begins to openly discuss suicide or express thoughts like, “I wish I could disappear.” As a parent or guardian, fostering open communication and creating a safe space for your depressed teen to express their thoughts of suicide can be lifesaving.
If you notice your daughter talking about suicide or showing signs of suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to seek help immediately, potentially even taking her to a hospital emergency room if necessary. The risk of suicide is heightened in teens experiencing severe depression, particularly if they also abuse substances. Engaging in open dialogue around these suicidal thoughts, while ensuring she feels supported and understood, can help mitigate the feelings of isolation and despair. Remember, it’s important to reach out to mental health professionals who can provide the right treatment and support for your daughter.
How are Depression and Social Media Use Related?
The relationship between depression and social media use in teen girls is significant. Excessive screen time and time spent on social media platforms can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and isolation. The constant exposure to curated images and unrealistic standards portrayed online can lead to negative comparisons and a distorted perception of reality. Cyberbullying and the pressure to present a perfect image online can further impact the mental health of teenage girls, increasing their vulnerability to developing or exacerbating depression.
Supporting Teen Girls Through Depression: Encouraging Social Connection and Physical Health
Supporting teen girls through depression requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes the importance of social connection and physical health. Here are some ways parents can help support their daughters with depression, which can go a long way in aiding their recovery:
- Create a Safe and Open Environment: Encourage honest conversations by listening without judgment and validating your teen’s feelings, showing that they are not alone.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Support your daughter in maintaining a balanced lifestyle by encouraging regular exercise, nutritious meals, and consistent sleep routines to improve overall well-being.
- Seek Professional Support Together: Collaborate with your teen to explore therapy options, demonstrating that seeking help is a sign of strength and a step toward healing.
Understanding the Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Teen Depression
Diagnosing depression in teenagers typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include psychological assessments and family history as part of their medical history. Mental health professionals often utilize instruments like questionnaires to gauge the severity of symptoms, including lasting feelings of sadness, and their impact on daily functioning.
Here are some common treatment modalities and therapies that help teen girls overcome depression:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Guiding teen girls to embrace their emotions, clarify values, and take meaningful steps toward a fulfilling life.
- Adventure Therapy: Empowering teen girls to develop resilience and confidence through experiential outdoor challenges and teamwork.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy: Harnessing the healing connection between teen girls and animals to promote emotional growth and self-awareness.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A skills-based approach designed to help teen girls navigate intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.
- Family-Focused Therapy (FFT): Strengthening family bonds and communication to create a supportive foundation for lasting change.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Helping teen girls process trauma, rebuild trust, and develop healthy coping strategies for a brighter future.
In some cases, antidepressant medication may be prescribed alongside therapy to help manage symptoms of adolescent depression. It’s important to note that medication should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider, as it can take several weeks to fully assess its effectiveness. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication often yields the best outcomes for adolescents and teens.
How to Support Your Teen Daughter During Her Depression Treatment
Supporting your teen daughter during her depression treatment is crucial for her recovery. One of the most effective ways to do this is by being present and engaged in her treatment journey. It’s essential to encourage her to communicate openly about her feelings and experiences during therapy, especially when she may have a hard time expressing her emotions. As a family member, your involvement can foster a sense of security, empathy, and validation, helping her feel understood and less alone in her struggles. Regularly check in with her about her feelings and treatment progress, while also respecting her need for privacy.
Additionally, it’s important to work collaboratively with mental health professionals to ensure your daughter receives the right treatment. This may involve attending family therapy sessions or participating in support programs that address the needs of both the teen and the family. Encouragement to adhere to prescribed therapies, such as talk therapy and any necessary medication, can significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment.
How Can Chrysalis School Treat Depression in Teen Girls?
Chrysalis School is an outcomes-focused therapeutic boarding school for teen girls. Our clinical model includes attachment-focused therapy, which allows us to offer unique support to girls struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and attachment struggles.
While receiving therapeutic healing, our team also prioritizes academics and strives to bring a love of learning to all our students, focusing on children’s mental health. We specialize in emotional development, cultivating healthy relationships, and making connections through play while preparing your daughter to succeed academically. Additionally, our team works with each student to develop essential life skills such as regulating emotions, balancing relationships, and social skills.
Contact us today to learn more about our research-backed approach to mental health and healing. Your daughter can get better. We can help. Call us today at 406-998-6313.
