As parents, we're right there with our kids through thick and thin. But sometimes, what looks like typical teenage mood swings might be something more serious: depression. It's tough to see your child struggling, and it's even tougher when you're not sure how to help.

Teen depression isn't always obvious sadness. You might notice:

Lots of anger or being easily annoyed: Snapping at little things, having more arguments.
Pulling away: Spending a lot of time alone, not wanting to hang out with friends or family.
Losing interest: Not caring about hobbies, sports, or activities they used to love.
Sleep changes: Sleeping way too much, or having trouble falling or staying asleep.
Eating differently: Big changes in appetite or weight.
Always tired: Seeming exhausted even after sleeping.
Feeling down on themselves: Saying negative things about themselves, feeling like a burden.
Trouble focusing: Struggling at school, forgetting things easily.
Unexplained aches and pains: Frequent headaches or stomach aches.
Taking risks: Getting into trouble, using substances, or self-harming.
Talking about not wanting to be alive: If you hear this, get help immediately.

It's really important to remember that depression isn't a choice or something they can just "get over." It's a real health condition, and it needs support and understanding.

How Counselling Can Help Your Teen (and You)

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I'm here to help teens and families in Kelowna navigate these difficult times. My goal is to create a safe, private space where your teen can talk, learn, and grow.

Here's how I can support your child:

Understanding Their Feelings: We'll work on figuring out what's going on inside, helping them recognize when depression is taking hold.
Learning Coping Skills: We'll build a toolbox of healthy ways to handle stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. This can include calming techniques and ways to solve problems.
Better Communication: Depression can make it hard to talk. I'll help your teen find their voice, improving how they connect with you and others.
Support That Fits Them: If your teen thinks a bit differently (like with ADHD or autism), I'll tailor my approach to celebrate their unique strengths and needs.
Dealing with Tough Stuff: Teen years come with lots of changes – grief, figuring out who they are, friend issues, school pressure. Counselling gives them a space to work through it all.
Building Confidence: Depression can really knock down self-esteem. We'll work on helping your teen feel better about themselves and see their own strengths.
More Than Just Talking: I use different ways to help, like exploring thoughts (CBT), understanding their life story (Narrative Therapy), or even using art to express feelings. It’s about finding what works best for them.