Helping Your Teenager Cope With Anxiety And Depression Through Family Therapy
Posted on: 8 May 2017
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When a teenager suffers from anxiety and depression, this is often felt by every member of the family. The behaviors associated with anxiety and depression can manifest in many ways, and this generally has big impact on the family as a whole. With better communication, and a better understanding of the effects of anxiety and depression, the family can begin to work together in a more cohesive unit. While the teenager may show outward signs of anxiety or depression, the underlying causes can often be uncovered through family therapy. When you want to help your teenager who is struggling, it's time to seek help as a family.
Learning New Communication Skills
Teenagers in general tend to feel like no one listens to them. A teenager struggling with mental health issues may feel completely invisible. This teenager may cope with these feelings of invisibility by acting out, or by completely isolating themselves. While some rebellious behavior or isolating is normal for teens, when the behavior is disruptive to the family unit it's time to learn some new communication skills.
Effective Listening Without Problem Solving
Most parents know what is best for their teenager, and it's difficult to listen to a teenager express their problems without trying to problem solve before they are done explaining. Effective listening means giving the teenager a chance to talk about their concerns, without minimizing what they have to say. For example, when a teenager is getting bullied at school, they will have legitimate stories to tell you. Take the time to sit down and listen without offering a solution right away. This allows your teenager to get the story out and relay all of their concerns. A family therapist will encourage this dialogue, and give you ways to be supportive as parents without brushing off their concerns.
Setting Realistic Goals as a Family
A family therapist is going to help you and your family members establish realistic family goals. This can mean a number of things, but usually involves better listening, communication and respect between the members of your family. If you have specific issues you want to work on as a family, goal setting can be a great way to see your progress towards dealing with these issues.
When you have a teenager struggling with anxiety and depression, family therapy will help. Your teenager will know that they are supported, and you will learn new skills as a family unit to help you function better as a whole. Contact a therapist, like The A Treatment Center, for more help.