Supporting your teen through depression and anxiety

By ReachOut Content Team
Published 24 November 2023

Depression and anxiety can affect the whole family. It’s important that all family members understand more about these mental health conditions, how they can affect your teenager, and how they may impact family life.

Hear from psychologist Clare Rowe about how to manage teen anxiety and depression, and how you can help your teen feel less isolated and alone.

Read the transcript.

What parents can do to support teens with depression and anxiety:

  • Have a conversation with your child. Get some tips here on effective communication.

  • Give positive comments to your teen. Even simple things like, 'Thanks for helping with the dishes,' or 'It was nice to take a walk with you this morning,' will give them positive reinforcement. They'll see that you notice them, and feel like they're not alone.

  • Set an example for your teen by leading a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sleep can make a difference to your teen's mood. Leading by example creates opportunities to get your teen involved – try approaching them with, 'I'm going to the park, would you like to join me?' or 'Would you like to help me make dinner?'

What to avoid:

Try not to make attacking comments, or give instructions on how they can fix the problem. Comments like, 'You'll feel better if you use your phone less,' will only isolate your teen. This can decrease their self-esteem and make them feel like they're powerless to change the way they feel.

Getting the family involved:

Supporting your teen by getting all family members involved can be really helpful. Have a chat to any other adults in the household, and other children if you have any, about how you can all support your teen. This can also help other children understand what their sibling is going through.

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        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.

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              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.

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