Image of a teen boy's side profile. He has a neutral expression and looks lost in thought.

Depression and teenagers

Teenage depression is common and it's natural for you to worry about your child if their depression is impacting their daily life. There are a number of things that you can try to support your teenager to manage depression. If you'd like to understand more about what causes depression and the impact it can have on teenagers, read our fact sheet on teens and depression.

Otherwise, see below for ways that you can help.

school boy gazing forward

Depression in teenagers

Learn the facts about depression in teenagers, the signs to look out for, and what parents can do to help.

cartoon boy looking down in the mirror thumbnail

7 signs your teenager might have depression

Learn how to spot the signs of depression in teenagers.

gavin man sitting on couch talking to camera

Gavin's experience helping his daughter with depression

It can be tricky knowing how to handle teen depression in your family. Hear how Gavin navigated this tough time and helped his daughter through depression.

a boy in school uniform looking concerned

How to help your teenager with depression

Here's a guide on different ways to support teenager living with depression.

screenshot of interview with clare rowe child and family psychologist

Supporting your teen through depression and anxiety

Hear from psychologist Clare Rowe on how you help teenagers with depression and anxiety to feel less isolated and alone.

girl on train station

What to do if my teenager refuses help with depression

Learn how to help your teenager manage depression, if they’re not open to professional help.

Related topics

Anxiety in teenagersStress in teenagersSupporting effective communication with your teenTalking with your teen about mental health
ReachOut home
Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

© ReachOut Australia 2025

Terms and conditions | Privacy policy