Focus on Your Kids

As our generation begins to mature and sprout, we may notice that while some thrive and socialize — others will sit back and almost disappear. As a person who suffers with depression, I can tell you that even though most people believe they know what it is, you probably don't know the details of it. In-depth depression is more then a serious sadness and it has consumed 20 percent of teens before they reach adulthood.

Before you start acting on what you believe is right, parents I ask you to understand what your teen is going through and if they have depression. Depression is a long process that takes years to overcome, I have had it for over three years now and it has lessened over the time. Treatment and medication do help but they are NOT the solution. What some teens need is a moment with their therapist or counselor to figure out the severity of it and what caused it. Sometimes depression can come from something you think isn't major but had an effect on their life. Whether it is moving states or schools, divorce, or a death in the family, a close friend or family member falling into addiction, bullying, or even stress from school — those are a few of many things that could have caused a downfall. But don't assume what it could be, ask them and if they don't know, don't pressure them — it won't help. Sometimes they don't know, they didn't realize that the situation actually caused them that much pain, as they could have shut it out.

Bullying, it can do so much damage to the human mind and body. Over 3.2 million students report bullying in America, that is only the reported things, many teens and kids won't report it as it makes them look weak. It depends on the type of bullying they receive and on how long it will take for them to do or say something.

Physical bullying will cause a child to have an outburst of emotions, and act out aggressively.

Emotional bullying will cause a child to stay out of events and say they aren't enough, because words hurt, maybe not in the beginning but eventually they will believe their words.

But if left alone and brushed aside both forms can cause either aggression towards other or suicide. The worse it gets the more extreme the final outcome will become.

With depression will most likely be anxiety, due to feeling like someone will pop out of nowhere just to say you're pathetic. In order to overcome these factors, adults need to act on these situations, don't tell your kid not to let it bother you — that will NOT work! Tell them to tell someone at school — the counselor is the best option, or the principal. As a parent if the situation has not changed or been handled you should consider going up to the school and speak about it. You child will probably be embarrassed, but it will show you love them, bullies like to say the parents don't love their kids. As a parent you must see the signs of it getting worse:

1. They isolate more than usual.
2. They talk down on themselves about almost everything.
3. They hide all emotions.
4. They shut down when talking about it.
5. They won't be touched.
6. They walk with their head down.
7. They speak less.

There are many different signs that parents don't always see. It is best to ask your kid, and if they won't admit to it, try building up their trust with you, show them signs that you love them more then anyone else ever will.

Show Your Love

Be honest with yourself as a parent and understand knowing your child has depression is a scary thing, because you never know what they will do next. But never give up hope, your child needs your just like you need them.