While depression and anxiety in teens and young adults often go overlooked, recognizing key anxiety and depression symptoms in your child is the first step in getting help for depression and anxiety. Once you have noticed anxiety or depression symptoms in your son or daughter, it is time to have a loving, but serious talk with him or her to make sure they are receiving the help they need.. As we discussed in our previous post, getting help for depression or anxiety as the first signs of depression or anxiety symptoms is key.
While anxiety and depression can stem from different sources the courses of treatment for each has similarities. Anxiety and depression symptoms can be improved with therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Improving one’s health and lifestyle decisions can improve anxiety and depression symptoms as well. For example, getting more adequate sleep and getting regular exercise can further improve anxiety and depression symptoms.
Treatment for Depression and Anxiety in Teens and Young Adults
Treatment for depression and anxiety disorders can vary, especially among teens, and young adults. While every individual is different, your son or daughter’s treatment will depend on various factors, including:
- His or her overall physical health and medical history
- His or her diagnosis (whether he/she has anxiety, depression, or both)
- Age (depending on his or her age, medication may not be safe/appropriate)
- The extent of the symptoms he or she is displaying
- His or her reaction to medications
- Response to therapy
- Your preference
Treatment for depression and anxiety in teens and young adults can include:
- antidepressant/antianxiety medications
- individual therapy
- and sometimes family therapy, as the family dynamic is key to helping your child through his or her struggles
Your child’s doctor should perform a comprehensive medical evaluation of your child and family history before prescribing treatment.
Conclusion
When getting help for depression and anxiety in teens and young adults, early intervention is big step that should not be taken lightly. While medication and therapy alone may not be adequate enough to alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms in your child, talking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional to get started is always a wise choice.
To learn more about how to help your child with depression or anxiety, download our white paper, Depression and Anxiety in Teens and Young Adults below.
