What to Do If Your Teen Is Struggling With Depression

Depression in adolescence often looks like irritability, sleeping all day, or pulling away from everyone, more than sadness. This guide helps you tell a hard stretch from something more, talk with a withdrawn teen, and know when to get help.

We're not clinicians or doctors, and this practical guide isn't medical advice. For guidance about your teen, always talk with their doctor or therapist. If you're worried about their safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

4 articlesBy Jeremy MannéMore on the way

If you're new here, start with these

Start here

Signs of Depression in Teens: When It's More Than a Bad Mood

A bad mood in a teenager is usually tied to something specific, like a fight with a friend or a hard week at school, and it tends to lift within a few…

Then

How to Start the Conversation With a Withdrawn Teen

Starting a conversation with a withdrawn teen usually works best in a low-pressure moment, like a car ride or a late-night snack, rather than a planne…

Then

What Not to Say to a Depressed Teenager, and What to Say Instead

Phrases like "cheer up," "other people have it worse," and "it's just a phase" usually make a depressed teenager feel dismissed, even when a parent me…

Every article in this guide

Depression

Signs of Depression in Teens: When It's More Than a Bad MoodA bad mood in a teenager is usually tied to something specific, like a fight with a friend or a hard week at school, and it tends to lift within a few days.10 min How to Start the Conversation With a Withdrawn TeenStarting a conversation with a withdrawn teen usually works best in a low-pressure moment, like a car ride or a late-night snack, rather than a planned sit-down that feels like an interview.10 min What Not to Say to a Depressed Teenager, and What to Say InsteadPhrases like "cheer up," "other people have it worse," and "it's just a phase" usually make a depressed teenager feel dismissed, even when a parent means them as comfort.9 min When to Seek Professional Help for Teen Depression, and Who to Call FirstThe American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to talk with their teen's doctor when signs of depression last more than two weeks, even if their teen insists they're fine.9 min

When it's more than home can handle

You don't have to figure out the next step alone

We're not clinicians, so the Getting Help guide explains your options in plain language and points you toward people who can evaluate your teen. If you're worried about safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

Levels of care, explained →What level of care your teen needs →Crisis options →