The teenage years are a time of learning and growth. However, for many adolescents, it can also be a time of immense stress and anxiety.

In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 3.2 million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 had at least one major depressive episode in 2019. As parents, caregivers, and friends, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of depression in adolescents so that we can take steps to help them heal.

In this article, we explore natural ways to calm young minds and alleviate depression.

What is Depression in Adolescence?

Before we can heal adolescents who are suffering from depression, we need to understand what it is. Adolescents with depression often feel sad, hopeless, and irritable. The symptoms typically last for at least two weeks and may include:.

Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or hypersomnia
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Feeling tired and low on energy
Changes in appetite and weight
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

The Natural Approach to Healing Adolescence – Depression

The natural approach to healing adolescent depression is multifaceted. It involves incorporating lifestyle changes, creating a supportive environment, and seeking professional help.

Below are ways to approach healing adolescents with depression naturally:.

1. Encourage Physical Activities

Exercise is an important natural remedy to depression. Encourage teens to incorporate light exercises into their daily routine. Going for walks, jogging, cycling, hiking, or yoga can help improve mood, enhance emotional balance, and boost self-esteem.

Regular physical activities also promote better sleep, which is vital to better mental health.

2. Develop a Nutrient-Rich Diet Plan

Developing a diet plan with nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein helps in the prevention and management of depression.

Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, and other oily fish, can help reduce depression symptoms.

3. Foster Positive Relationships

Creating a supportive and positive environment for adolescents is crucial in combating depression.

Having a trusted adult to confide in, participating in a mentorship program, or developing strong friendships can help teens stay connected to positive influences that may reinforce feelings of self-worth and reduce feelings of isolation.

4. Encourage Restorative Rest

Getting enough sleep is essential for a young person’s mental health. Encourage the adolescent to develop a healthy sleep schedule by setting a consistent bedtime, minimizing screen-time before bed, and maintaining a relaxed sleeping environment.

5. Spiritual Practices

Many spiritual practices, like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, can also be beneficial for healing adolescent depression. These techniques create a sense of calmness, reduce stress, amplify happiness, and decrease negative self-talk.

6. Seek Professional Help

For some adolescents, depression may be too severe, and the natural remedies may not be enough. It is vital to seek professional help if the implemented strategies are not yielding the desired results.

Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and psychotherapy together with prescribed medication can help adolescents overcome depression and regain their vitality.

7. Nurturing Self-Love

It’s essential to teach adolescents self-love and positive self-talk as part of healing their depression. Encourage adolescents to practice positive self-talk, write down what they appreciate about themselves or review their achievements often.

These exercises help promote a sense of self-worth and encourage positive self-image.

Conclusion

Depression is real and pervasive in adolescents. Family members, caregivers, and friends should be on the lookout for depression and be available to support and guide adolescents through their moments of struggles.

Combining natural approaches such as a nutritious diet and exercise, spiritual activities, positive relationships, professional help, practicing self-love, and good sleep patterns is an excellent arsenal to healing depression. Employing these natural approaches will not only help calm young minds but also keep them in good mental health.