| Bringing up a teen is never easy. It’s even more difficult when the mother is depressed. Not only you are struggling on how to keep up with yourself, your struggle may negatively influencing your teens. Research shows mothers who suffer from depression will most likely increase their teen’s changes of being depressed by being more socially isolated. But there are things you can do, and this article will give you several avenues to explore.
Researchers Patricia A. Brennan, Ph.D. and Constance Hammen, Ph.D. concluded, "The main difference we found is that the teens with depressed mothers had more interpersonal difficulties, probably because of the influence of their mother's depression and the mother’s own problems with social functioning."
But yes, there are things you can do to prevent your teens from getting depressed. You should develop their social skills set. “To stop the possibility of transmission of depression to their children, interventions need to include social skills building,” said Dr. Hammen.
To do this, you can try these approaches, which have been found helpful by
other depressed parents:
1. Get them to socialize.
Get your children involved in social groups and clubs where they will naturally learn to interact with other kids. Such groups like school band, sports teams or school clubs like science, debate, yearbook, or even dance clubs will expose your child to activities that will require them to share, take responsibility, maintain physical boundaries and many other skill sets.
2. Get someone to help you.
You can visit the guidance counselor of your child’s school and share your thoughts with them about your desire to have your child find a group therapy setting or a church group. Consider options that allow your teen to talk and interact with other kids. In this way, they can learn how to handle social situations and have an adult around to guide them when they need assistance.
3. Ask for suggestions.
Being aware and concerned with how your child can cope with your depression is indeed a noble act.
Ask help in different ways from different people until you find what works best for you. The answer might not come to you in a week or two, but if you keep asking, chances are that you will find the solutions you need.
Dr. Marlene M. Maheu is the Editor-in-Chief of SelfHelpMagazine, an award winning online electronic-zine. Visit http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/and read more articles from Dr. Marlene and other professionals on how to reduce stress. |
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