Parents of Depressed Teens

Help for Parents and caregivers of Depressed Teens

Parents of Depressed Teens

Teen depression and other types

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There are six common types of major depression and they are listed with symptoms below. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types so you can understand if your teen is dealing with one of them.

It’s also important you understand that teen depression has some distinctive features, here they are:

Teen depression symptoms

In additional to the regular symptoms of depression, a teen with depression may exhibit:

  • Irritability
  • Self harm
  • Negative emotions expressed in art
  • Skipping school or bad grades
  • Lack of socialization with other teens or lack of drive to be social
  • Abusing substances
  • Complaining about physical symptoms like headaches or stomach ache
  • Highly sensitive to criticism

Types of major depression

Major depressive disorder, also referred to as unipolar depression

  • Interferes with ability to function
  • Affects all areas of life – relationships, work, sleep eating
  • Episodes may occur several times in a person’s life
  • Slowed movements, speech and thinking, speak less, some stop speaking
  • Have recurring thoughts about their own death – range from thinking about it to seriously considering

Manic-depressive disorders, more commonly known as bipolar disorder

  • Serious mental illness involving episodes of depression that alternate with mania. Mania is feelings or greatness and elation, sudden energy, and feeling uncontrollable power. Sometimes depression and mania occur simultaneously shifting from one to the other rapidly.

Dysthymic disorder

  • Milder form of depression that lasts longer.
  • Feeling of melancholy
  • Unable to get really excited about life
  • Can still function but feel gloomy

Seasonal Affective disorder

  • Often brought on in the winter months, though it can occur as a reverse
  • Could be a result of disruption of circadian rhythm or lack of Vitamin D
  • Full spectrum lights can help
  • Less that 2% of people in Florida have SAD, while 10% of people in New Hampshire do

Psychotic depression

  • 15% of depressed people experience delusions or hallucinations
  • Often need to be hospitalized to prevent themselves from suicide

Postpartum depression

  • 4 weeks – year after a woman gives birth
  • Most women experience baby blues, postpartum is far more severe
  • May involve delusions or hurting themselves or their newborn
  • Many women feel a great amount of guilt
  • 10% of new mothers

Natural supplements for good mood

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The following is a list of natural supplements that may help ease the symptoms of depression. Many of these supplements can

natural remedies for good mood
Natural supplements for good mood

be taken alongside other therapies (ie. with antidepressants – though, some can’t) Be sure to ask your doctor about drug and supplement interactions. Most of the items on this list have been studied by researchers. They’ve made the list because there is much evidence to support their effectiveness. If you are treated by a naturopathic doctor, many will suggest taking some or a combination of these supplements.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS:

These are acids from unsaturated fat that are found primarily in fish, but also in certain plant sources such as nuts and seeds. Two that are crucial for your health are called EPA and DHA. You can find omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement in most pharmacies and health food stores.

There have been numerous studies to conclude that omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in preventing and improving mild to moderate depression. One sizeable Norwegian study that included 22,000 participants revealed that participants who took cod liver oil (a source of omega-3) were approximately 30% less likely to have symptoms of depression than the group that did not.

Foods that have omega-3 fatty acids:  Most types of fish (salmon and tuna have large amounts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, roe and caviar, chia seeds and walnuts.

 

VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN B6 and FOLATE:

Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman, calls folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B-12 the “mighty methylators for mental health.” He suggests that one-quarter of all severely depressed people are vitamin B deficient. Most of them, he believes, can be cured with B12 shots, which can be taken as a mega-dose with a eye dropper.

Foods high in vitamin B-12: Clams, mussels, beef liver, mackerel, crab, tofu, eggs.

Foods high in vitamin B-6: Sunflower seeds, pistachios, tuna, turkey, prunes, lean pork, bananas, avocado.

Foods high in folate: Beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, avocado, broccoli, mango.

 

TURMERIC:

A spice that has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Indian medicine to treat various medical issues. David Perlmutter, author of “Grain Brain”, suggests that your brain loves it. It is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, (which means when it’s eaten, the chemical goes through your bloodstream and into your brain, most substances do not do this). For this reason, it holds great promise to be neuroprotective agent. It may help treat and cure many neurological disorders.

It also produce antioxidants that protect mitochondria, which are a component of human cells that produce energy.

How to get more turmeric: Turmeric is an edible root, similar to ginger. If you want to get more into your diet you can buy it as a supplement or a spice. The spice can be added to many foods: soups, shakes, and scrambled eggs.  Indian cooking uses a large amount of turmeric.

 

Vitamin D:

Having a deficiency of vitamin D can feel like depression. A great deal of published research has shown a correlation between depression and a lack of vitamin D. It’s suggested that this one of the reasons individuals may from depression in the winter months (this condition is often known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD). During winter, there is less sun. Exposure to the sun allows human skin create to naturally produce vitamin D.

Foods with vitamin D: Cod liver oil supplements, oily types of fish (such as trout), mushrooms, tofu, fish, extra lean ham.

 

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan):

5-HTP is chemical by-product of one of the most important amino acids (there are 22 in total) called L-tryptophan, that are necessary components in the human diet. Your body can’t make L-tryptophan, so you need to get it from your diet. L-tryptophan is beneficial in building important proteins that are used by the body and essential for sustaining life.

5-HTP works increase the chemical serotonin in the brain. You’ll recall that serotonin is one of the chemicals targeted by certain antidepressants. It affects your sleep, appetite levels, mood and pain sensation. For this reason, research shows that taking 5-HTP supplements may improve depression. A dose of 50-3000 mg daily for two to four weeks has been found in many clinical studies to improve depression symptoms and be as effective as antidepressant medications.

It’s rare, but there are some people taking 5-HTP supplements that may get a disease called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). This is a serious condition that involves muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia).  You should consult a doctor before taking this over-the-counter supplement. It also can interact with some medications.

Foods with tryptophan:  Poultry, chocolate, oats, dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, chickpeas, bananas, sunflower seeds.

 

PROBIOTICS:

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep your digestive track healthy. And if you read the next section of this book on how your gut is connected to your brain, you’ll learn why it’s important ensure your digestive processes are functioning optimally. The nerve cells in your gut manufacture 90% percent of your body’s serotonin. Probiotics help keep the bacteria in your intestines healthy.

Foods rich in probiotics:  Yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, pickles, tempeh.

 

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine):

SAMe is a chemical that’s naturally produced by your body. Your body uses it to make various chemicals that play a major role in pain and depression.

The supplement you can buy is a synthetic form of the same substance. It’s been on the market in the U.S. since 1999. A 2002 review by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggested that SAM-e was equally as effective as antidepressants.

There are no food sources of SAMe. It must be taken as a supplement that can be purchased in most North American pharmacies.

 

Amino Acids:

All the molecules in your body are built from eight essential amino acids. We get them from food and they are important for building protein. Without adequate amino acids your brain can slow down, you can feel sluggish and have a low mood.

Foods high in amino acids: Avocado, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, figs, raisins and quinoa.

 

GABA:

GABA is an amino acid that acts as a chemical in the brain. When taken as a supplement it acts as a natural tranquilizer.

Many anti-anxiety medications target this brain communication pathway. When GABA is stimulated the result is a calm and relaxed the mood.  It lowers anxiety and improves a depressed mood.

It’s also typically used to It promote lean muscle growth, burning fat, stabilize blood pressure and relieve pain.

GABA must be taken as a supplement. It is normally taken by placing it under the tongue.

 

MAGNESIUM:

Stress, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can reduce the amount of magnesium in the body. It’s been suggested that increasing your intake of magnesium can help you better handle stress.

Foods high in magnesium: Leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish beans, whole grains, avocado, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate.

 

MELATONIN:

Malfunctioning levels of a hormone found in your body, called melatonin, can dramatically affect your sleep-wake cycle. If you are having trouble sleeping, taking it as a supplement may help boost your mood.  There has been research to suggest that individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder may have lower than normal levels of melatonin.

Foods that help your body make melatonin: Tuna, halibut, salmon, raw garlic and pistachios.

 

ST.JOHN’S WORT:

St. John’s Wort is a yellow weed that grows in many regions of the United States. There are some studies that suggest it is effective in elevating mood, while others say it’s not. You should be aware that it it has been known to react badly with many antidepressant medications. Tell your doctor if you choose to take it.

Natural supplements for good mood

By

The following is a list of natural supplements that may help ease the symptoms of depression. Many of these supplements can

natural remedies for good mood
Natural supplements for good mood

be taken alongside other therapies (ie. with antidepressants – though, some can’t) Be sure to ask your doctor about drug and supplement interactions. Most of the items on this list have been studied by researchers. They’ve made the list because there is much evidence to support their effectiveness. If you are treated by a naturopathic doctor, many will suggest taking some or a combination of these supplements.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS:

These are acids from unsaturated fat that are found primarily in fish, but also in certain plant sources such as nuts and seeds. Two that are crucial for your health are called EPA and DHA. You can find omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement in most pharmacies and health food stores.

There have been numerous studies to conclude that omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in preventing and improving mild to moderate depression. One sizeable Norwegian study that included 22,000 participants revealed that participants who took cod liver oil (a source of omega-3) were approximately 30% less likely to have symptoms of depression than the group that did not.

Foods that have omega-3 fatty acids:  Most types of fish (salmon and tuna have large amounts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, roe and caviar, chia seeds and walnuts.

 

VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN B6 and FOLATE:

Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman, calls folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B-12 the “mighty methylators for mental health.” He suggests that one-quarter of all severely depressed people are vitamin B deficient. Most of them, he believes, can be cured with B12 shots, which can be taken as a mega-dose with a eye dropper.

Foods high in vitamin B-12: Clams, mussels, beef liver, mackerel, crab, tofu, eggs.

Foods high in vitamin B-6: Sunflower seeds, pistachios, tuna, turkey, prunes, lean pork, bananas, avocado.

Foods high in folate: Beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, avocado, broccoli, mango.

 

TURMERIC:

A spice that has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Indian medicine to treat various medical issues. David Perlmutter, author of “Grain Brain”, suggests that your brain loves it. It is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, (which means when it’s eaten, the chemical goes through your bloodstream and into your brain, most substances do not do this). For this reason, it holds great promise to be neuroprotective agent. It may help treat and cure many neurological disorders.

It also produce antioxidants that protect mitochondria, which are a component of human cells that produce energy.

How to get more turmeric: Turmeric is an edible root, similar to ginger. If you want to get more into your diet you can buy it as a supplement or a spice. The spice can be added to many foods: soups, shakes, and scrambled eggs.  Indian cooking uses a large amount of turmeric.

 

Vitamin D:

Having a deficiency of vitamin D can feel like depression. A great deal of published research has shown a correlation between depression and a lack of vitamin D. It’s suggested that this one of the reasons individuals may from depression in the winter months (this condition is often known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD). During winter, there is less sun. Exposure to the sun allows human skin create to naturally produce vitamin D.

Foods with vitamin D: Cod liver oil supplements, oily types of fish (such as trout), mushrooms, tofu, fish, extra lean ham.

 

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan):

5-HTP is chemical by-product of one of the most important amino acids (there are 22 in total) called L-tryptophan, that are necessary components in the human diet. Your body can’t make L-tryptophan, so you need to get it from your diet. L-tryptophan is beneficial in building important proteins that are used by the body and essential for sustaining life.

5-HTP works increase the chemical serotonin in the brain. You’ll recall that serotonin is one of the chemicals targeted by certain antidepressants. It affects your sleep, appetite levels, mood and pain sensation. For this reason, research shows that taking 5-HTP supplements may improve depression. A dose of 50-3000 mg daily for two to four weeks has been found in many clinical studies to improve depression symptoms and be as effective as antidepressant medications.

It’s rare, but there are some people taking 5-HTP supplements that may get a disease called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). This is a serious condition that involves muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia).  You should consult a doctor before taking this over-the-counter supplement. It also can interact with some medications.

Foods with tryptophan:  Poultry, chocolate, oats, dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, chickpeas, bananas, sunflower seeds.

 

PROBIOTICS:

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep your digestive track healthy. And if you read the next section of this book on how your gut is connected to your brain, you’ll learn why it’s important ensure your digestive processes are functioning optimally. The nerve cells in your gut manufacture 90% percent of your body’s serotonin. Probiotics help keep the bacteria in your intestines healthy.

Foods rich in probiotics:  Yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, pickles, tempeh.

 

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine):

SAMe is a chemical that’s naturally produced by your body. Your body uses it to make various chemicals that play a major role in pain and depression.

The supplement you can buy is a synthetic form of the same substance. It’s been on the market in the U.S. since 1999. A 2002 review by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggested that SAM-e was equally as effective as antidepressants.

There are no food sources of SAMe. It must be taken as a supplement that can be purchased in most North American pharmacies.

 

Amino Acids:

All the molecules in your body are built from eight essential amino acids. We get them from food and they are important for building protein. Without adequate amino acids your brain can slow down, you can feel sluggish and have a low mood.

Foods high in amino acids: Avocado, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, figs, raisins and quinoa.

 

GABA:

GABA is an amino acid that acts as a chemical in the brain. When taken as a supplement it acts as a natural tranquilizer.

Many anti-anxiety medications target this brain communication pathway. When GABA is stimulated the result is a calm and relaxed the mood.  It lowers anxiety and improves a depressed mood.

It’s also typically used to It promote lean muscle growth, burning fat, stabilize blood pressure and relieve pain.

GABA must be taken as a supplement. It is normally taken by placing it under the tongue.

 

MAGNESIUM:

Stress, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can reduce the amount of magnesium in the body. It’s been suggested that increasing your intake of magnesium can help you better handle stress.

Foods high in magnesium: Leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish beans, whole grains, avocado, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate.

 

MELATONIN:

Malfunctioning levels of a hormone found in your body, called melatonin, can dramatically affect your sleep-wake cycle. If you are having trouble sleeping, taking it as a supplement may help boost your mood.  There has been research to suggest that individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder may have lower than normal levels of melatonin.

Foods that help your body make melatonin: Tuna, halibut, salmon, raw garlic and pistachios.

 

ST.JOHN’S WORT:

St. John’s Wort is a yellow weed that grows in many regions of the United States. There are some studies that suggest it is effective in elevating mood, while others say it’s not. You should be aware that it it has been known to react badly with many antidepressant medications. Tell your doctor if you choose to take it.

Is it adrenal fatigue or depression?

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Adrenal fatigue is a lesser known syndrome that has similar symptoms to major depression.  Some experts believe adrenal fatigue is misdiagnosed as depression often. It’s important to understand the differences because the treatment for adrenal fatigue does not require medication. It simply requires some changes to diet, time and sleep to rest and repair the adrenal glands.  Read on for more information….

Is it adrenal fatigue or depression?

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

A syndrome that’s similar to major depression in many ways. It occurs when the adrenal glands begin to function below the necessary level. This is often a result of prolonged stress and the way it puts pressure on the cells and systems of the body, and in this case, the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.

As the name of the syndrome suggests, extreme sleepiness is a prime symptom.  This lack of energy disable an individual’s level to function physically and mentally. Many people report feeling sleepy, depressed, and physically unable to do what they used to do. In extreme cases, a sufferer will have trouble getting out of bed for more than a few hours. Is it adrenal fatigue or depression?

With this malfunction at the adrenal level other systems are put under pressure. Common additional symptoms are changes in hunger and weight, fluid and electrolyte imbalance and lowered sex drive.

What causes adrenal fatigue?

The adrenal glands in your body sit on top of your kidney’s and they mobilize during stress. they secrete a hormone that manages your energy levels, immune system, and heart rate.  When they undergo too much stress and for too long, they can’t keep up. The end result is an experience of adrenal fatigue.

During adrenal fatigue the glands still do function but not well enough.

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

  1. Tired for no reason.
  2. Trouble getting out of bed in the morning even if they’ve slept at least 6-10 hours.
  3. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
  4. Have trouble dealing with stress.
  5. Craving salty and sweet food.
  6. Feeling more awake after 6PM.  

How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?

Even though adrenal fatigue has been around for many years, it is less discussed and understood among doctors of Western medicine than doctors who use natural remedies. You’re loved one may need to see a naturopathic doctor for a diagnosis.

Physicians will use a simple saliva test, commonly known as the Cortisol/DHEAS Saliva Test, to measure the level of the stress hormones DHEAS and cortisol in a patient’s saliva.  

Treatment for adrenal fatigue

Dietary changes, natural supplement, sleep and time are all the is needed to repair the adrenals to their optimum levels of function and get your loved one back to health.

Additional resource to check out for more information is the book: Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome™ by Dr. James L. Wilson

 

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What to do before you medicate your teen

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North America relies on a treatment-first approach to solving depression, which means, many doctors are too quick to put teens on antidepressant medications. Prescriptions are dolled out in excess with little work done to uncover if the teen really needs them in the first place.

It’s recommended that parents try alternatives – natural remedies and therapy – first. The teen brain is still not fully developed and antidepressants change brain structure.  There is also a small percentage of teens who experience increased suicidal thoughts when put on these medications.

Parents should read and consider the questions below before putting their teen on an antidepressant medication.

1. Does your teen have a brain chemical imbalance or are they experiencing depressive symptoms due to stress in life, or an inability to handle stress?  There are varying degrees of depression. That means what causes are different and how to treat it is different. Some people have a brain chemical issue. Some people don’t. Most teens don’t have a brain chemical issue, they have an inability to handle stress. Most teens simply need to make changes to their life or learn new ways of handling situations and emotions and their mood will improve. It’s important you as their parent know the differences. If you haven’t already, download the Depression Recovery Map and watch the accompanying three parent video series.

2. Has your teen been seen more than one medical professional for a diagnosis? There is one factor that exists and can’t be eliminated in the process of diagnosing depression, it is: Perception. Each doctor has a different level of expertise and different experience and that means they bring a different view to diagnosing a patient. Since diagnosing depression relies on questioning and subjective experience of the doctor misdiagnosis happens a lot.  Take your teen to see two or more professionals. It’s crucial you get a second opinion before you decide on a course of treatment.

3. Is your teen eating properly, physically active and sleeping enough? There are base physical requirements the body needs to ensure it can function at normal levels and produce the chemicals involved in regulating happy mood. Does your teen eat a well-balanced diet? Are they getting enough complex carbohydrates that are essential for brain health? Are they physically active (getting a minimum of 30 minutes a day)?  Are they sleeping a minimum of six to ten hours?

4. Does your teen know how to deal with tough emotions and life challenges? The teenage years mark the transition from childhood to adulthood so teens are only learning now how to be serious about life and be responsible. The teens years are challenging for most people. Part of building health stress resiliency skills involves making mistakes and learning how to deal with them in positive ways. Do you think your teen knows how to manage emotions effectively? Do they need to learn? Therapy and healthy mentors (that aren’t necessarily you because teens don’t want to share everything with their parents) can help.

5. Does your teen have an adult in their life they can talk to about emotions and life challenges? It’s helpful when teens have an adult in their life, that is not their parents, that they can confide in when they need to. This person could be a relative, a counsellor or therapist.

6. Have you tried natural supplements for your teen?  It’s suggested that some people are born with a genetic vulnerability for depression. It’s recommended that you try natural supplements before medications to see if any of those help your teen improve their mood.

7. How is your relationship with your teen?  Many parents who have defiant teens rush to send them to therapists and think they are worse than they are.  Sometimes teens resent parents for the choices they make that result in changes to their life that are out of control. You may want to consider learning some new communications tactics and try to restore or rebuild any issues in your relationship.  It’s important you can communicate effectively with your teen.

8. Do you think your teen needs an antidepressant because they are harming themselves or communicating through writing and art that they “hate themselves” or think about suicide?  Teens are struggling with emotions and learning who they are during these years. Many of them haven’t learned how to communicate with words what they are dealing with inside. It’s not unusual that teens communicate negative emotions through art or by harming themselves. While this does signal that your teen needs immediate help, it does not mean they need to necessary be put on a medication right away.

The decision to put your teen on an antidepressant should be considered with due diligence before taking action. Watch this quick video for more on teens and antidepressant medications.