Clinical depression is an illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make someone constantly feel sad, aloof, negative, and unmotivated. Depression can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can result from stress, certain situations, or triggered by nothing at all. Depressive disorder can affect people of any age, including teenagers and even young children.
Children and teens often suffer from depressive disorders, which leaves parents with questions such as: why does it happen, and what treatments are available? Fortunately, depression is treatable and some of the most effective depression treatments are in the form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques.
In the past, it was thought that adolescents could not be depressed, but in reality, depression can affect people of all ages. Often, depression in children and teens is triggered by events such as changing schools, a loss in the family, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. Sometimes, depression has no external cause. Depression often runs in families, meaning parents with depression are more likely to have kids who suffer from depression.
There are several different forms of depression. Most children with depression have a type of major depression. This form interferes with the ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some adolescents may also have a milder type of depression called Dysthymia, which is a long-term type of depression with milder symptoms than major depression. A rarer but still common type of depression is manic-depression (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by mood shifts from extreme sadness to extreme happiness.
Depression can be a problem for young people because their symptoms are different from the symptoms adults frequently display, making it more challenging to diagnose and treat. Often, children with depression will not seem sad or “depressed” as one would expect in adults. Chronic irritability is typically one of the major signs of depression in children and teens. Depression symptoms may not be obvious, but may include constant sadness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and decreased interest in activities.
Children with depression may do poorly in school, have problems making friends, or have disciplinary problems. The effects are also evident for teens, who may use drugs and alcohol to escape their mental depression. Depressive disorder is not the sufferer’s fault, but those with depression can seek treatment and find out how to successfully cope with their depression.
Depression treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant drugs. Group psychotherapy can be helpful for teens and older children by providing a safe place to share their experience with others. Online services such as chat rooms for depressed teens can also provide information on depression and serve as an outlet for the depressed.
Behavioral therapy can help teach people how to manage their depression. Trained counselors can help parents understand what causes a child’s depression. Family therapy helps educate parents on why their child has depression and what they can do to support their child.
In some cases, antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs are prescribed. This is only done under the careful supervision of a doctor who will monitor the child’s health and mental state. Although people with severe depression may need to take medications, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in adolescents, who are still developing. For this reason, psychological therapy, support and understanding from parents and professional therapists, and the use of techniques that help children learn how to relieve their own depression are considered to be better for helping children with depression.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can be used to relieve tension, anxiety, and depression. They help people come up with safe and positive coping strategies for dealing with depression. It is appropriate for all people because it is safe, doesn’t call for the use of any drugs, and is an effective form of self-help.
One NLP technique used to fight depression is known as the NLP Flash. This technique reprograms the mind to use the feelings that create stress and depression as triggers for thoughts that reduce depression instead. It is a technique that even young people can learn to use to help them manage their depression.
People with depression need not suffer. Therapy can help depressed people of all ages find relief. NLP techniques are excellent for helping young people and their families cope with anxiety and depression. These techniques can diminish or even eliminate depression in people of all ages.
Alan B. Densky, CH is an NGH certified hypnotist. He has helped thousands of clients since 1978. He offers CDs for self-hypnosis therapy for depression. Visit his Neuro-VISION hypnosis website for the hypnosis article index, or watch his free videos on hypnosis.
- Alan B. Densky, CH
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