About 20 percent of adolescents suffer from depression in this country; with only 30 percent of these adolescents receiving treatment for this condition.
If you are the parent of a depressed young adult, then you may find it difficult to motivate and inspire them. Here are just a few tips on how to get your depressed young adult motivated :
- Be there for them. Your child might not always be willing to open up to or confide in you. All the same, it might help them to know that you are always available to talk to and—even more importantly—listen to them. Express a willingness to share and help resolve their concerns.
- Be patient. Your depressed young adult may at times seen maudlin, angry, whiny, or acutely pessimistic; and while you still need to discipline them when needed, also keep in mind that their worries are weighing heavily on their struggling young minds.
- Be proactive. While few teens relish the notion of therapy, your depressed young adult may indeed be in need of professional and highly clinical care. This might take the form of counseling sessions, residential treatment programs, or perhaps even medication. Reassure your teen that this is for their own good; and, for that matter, the good of their family. Also encourage them to stay as active as possible in school and the community.
- Be firm. Your depressed young adult may be legally an adult, but as long as they live under your roof, they should be able to follow your rules. And, of course, they are not allowed to bully or disrespect you or your co-parent. You may be their loving and understanding parent, but you are not their punching bag.
- Be hopeful. In the vast majority of cases, depression is a manageable and curable condition. Reassure your child that the future is bright and in their hands; and that together, the two of you are unbeatable!
Foundations Asheville can help
Foundations Asheville is a young adult transition community that serves young men ages 18-25 in the mountains of North Carolina. Foundations empowers young men to find meaning, direction, relationships, and self-reliance in their lives through an individualized combination of education, vocation training, community service, healthy lifestyle skills, relationship building, and participation in a genuine community of peers. Please call https://foundationsasheville.com/ or (877) 318-7273.
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
