Mental Health Series: Practical Ways to Care for Teenagers Who Are Struggling With…. Depression

Our series continues as we tackle how to support students who might be struggling with depression.

Alongside of anxiety, depression is also one of the most diagnosed disorders in the United States. Depression involves severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities like eating, sleeping, and/or working or school. In 2020, it was estimated that 4.1 million adolescents between 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode (NIMH, Major Depression, 2022).  So I think it’s fair to say that there are students in our ministries who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

How can we show up for them? Here are a few ways…

6 Practical Ways to Care for Students Who are Struggling With Depression 

1.Encourage Professional Help  

• You don’t have to have all the answers, but having a trusted list of professionals to refer students and parents to is key!
• Counseling, Medical Professional, and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are all things a student could benefit from.
  

2. Be Supportive 

• Validate their emotions, not unhealthy behavior.
  

3. Be Compassionately Curious  

• Ask questions gently and patiently 
• Don’t try to solve the problem, simply be present

4. Notice the Positive Things  

• Make sure to notice the small things, encourage them in that. 

5. Partner with Parents 

• If the student hasn’t talked to their family, this is a MUST. You cannot keep depression a secret.  
• Offer to talk to parents WITH the student, agree to a date that they will talk to their parents by, if they don’t by that date let them know you will share with their parents for them.
• If the parent is already aware, check in with them about their student, but also check in on the parent. 

6. Check in with the student  

• If they haven’t been showing up for a while, text them, call them, DM them on social media. 
• Don’t make them feel bad for missing youth group, just acknowledge you are thinking about them.  
• Offer to take them out somewhere, 1-on-1  
  • Ask for parent permission. 
  • Don’t be offended if they say no, the ask goes a long way.  

Resources: 

Anxiety and Depression Association of America 

Seen: Healing Despair And Anxiety In Kids And Teens Through The Power Of Connection 

To Write Love on Her Arms 

Want to start conversations about Mental Health in your youth group? Check out a brand new Mental Health series at Download Youth Ministry:

My Friend is Struggling With

This 4-week series addresses mental health from a physical, mental, and spiritual perspective. Mental illnesses are real and daunting, but even in the middle of it, there can be hope. The first week gives a mental health overview, the second week addresses depression, the third week addresses anxiety, and the fourth week addresses suicide.

For the month of May, 100% of the proceeds for this resource will go to a scholarship fund to help youth workers with a mental health challenge see a counselor. If you are interested in this scholarship, you can fill out the application here.

Michelle lives in Idaho with her husband where they love to spend time outdoors, go on new adventures, and find the best chicken wings and coffee places. She also possess the ability to kill any plant that comes into their home. She also is the Co-Host of the Middle School Ministry Podcast. Listen here!