When Your Parents Don't Believe You're a Depressed Teenager

Laurie Pawlik Kienlen, Psychology Feature Writer, Bruce Kienlen

Posted by
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
Oct 19, 2009

On my Signs of Depression article, many depressed teens comment about their feelings of depression and their frustration that their parents either don't believe they're depressed or won't listen. Here are a few tips for depressed teens who have parents who don't believe they're depressed, plus a few links to articles about teenage depression.

When your parents don't believe you're a depressed teenager...

Talk to someone else who can help, such as a coach, guidance counselor, aunt or uncle, or teacher.
Remember that antidepressants or psychological counseling isn't always the answer. The last depressed teen who commented in my Signs of Depression article mentioned that his or her parents refused to give antidepressants or take him or her to a therapist. Though antidepressants and therapy are often very effective ways to treat teen depression, they may not work in all cases. Just remember that there are other ways to overcome depression -- it's not all about antidepressants or therapy!
Learn all you can about depression, treatments for depression, and causes of depression. The more you know about your depressed feelings, the more empowered you'll feel. Feeling empowered and understanding depression can help lift it.
Consider Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you're struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, the treatment may be as simple as getting more sunlight! Read Signs and Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder for more info.
Ask your parents why they don't believe you're depressed. Really think about their answer, and prepare a logical, well thought out answer if you disagree with them. Be prepared to share all you can about your feelings of depression.
Learn how to deal with stress. Coping with stress involves eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, handling conflict successfully, and dealing with life problems. Those stress management techniques can also help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness. Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life, and you may ease the depression a little.

Articles About Teenage Depression