Are you seeing some dips and declines in your teen’s mood since summer started? Maybe your teen is sleeping a whole lot more these days, spending more time in their room, or telling you that they don’t have any energy to go out and do things? These may be signs that there could be some underlying Depression, as Depression symptoms can emerge without the distraction of the daily stress of school.

One effective option for dealing with Depression is called Behavioral activation (BA). BA is an evidence-based therapy that helps people who are dealing with depression to increase their engagement in activities that bring a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. It works by helping clients identify the behaviors and activities that make them feel good, then encouraging those behaviors on a regular basis.

The key point here is that when someone engages in enjoyable activities regularly, they will naturally start feeling better over time as endorphins flood their brain from these positive experiences.

When it comes to treating depression, research has shown time and again how important it is for teens to stay active both mentally and physically. The summer months can make this challenging when teens are kicked out of their routine, and often no longer have a set schedule to keep with built in opportunities to connect with their peers. Staying active can include things like engaging in hobbies, reading or playing sports, participating in social events or volunteering, connecting with friends, taking walks out in nature, or taking up new projects. The key point here is that when someone engages in enjoyable activities regularly, they will naturally start feeling better over time as endorphins flood their brain from these positive experiences.

As parents and caregivers of teens suffering from Depression, one of the best things we can do is encourage our kids to get involved in meaningful and rewarding activities – even if they don’t feel like doing anything at first. It may take some creative problem solving, understanding, and validation, yet the rewards are worth it. One tip is to help your teen recognize when their thoughts and language may be getting in their way. For example, your teen may say, “I don’t want to,” “I’ll do it later,” or “I don’t feel like it.” These thoughts can very easily keep them stuck in a cycle of Depression, as they often make us want to give up or avoid doing things that would benefit us. Instead, try to encourage more rational, objective, and goal-directed thoughts, such as: “I can do things that I don’t want to do,” “Telling myself that I’ll do it later means that I won’t do it, so it makes sense to set a goal instead,” or “Just because I don’t feel like it, doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”

Ultimately, it is important to remember that there is no quick fix for mental health issues, such as Depression. Patience and consistency, especially when it comes to reinforcing positive change, are essential components of any successful treatment plan involving Behavioral Activation Therapy.