Suggestions for the Adolescent
- Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can trigger depression
- Associate with friends who have positive goals in life (ie - College) or who participate in positive activities
- Develop a good social support system including but not limited to friends, family members, teachers, etc. There is also support groups and group therapy if available to help with depression and other feelings that one may be experiencing
- Learn healthy ways to deal with stress, every day life changes, and the choices that may come up
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Get plenty of sleep, it helps to keep a regular schedule for your body and avoid distractions in the bedroom (TV, homework, etc)
- Allow time for normal grieving after a loss, however if you feel recovery is not happening, seek professional help/counseling
- Avoid anything that may trigger depression for you (ie: certain kinds of music, specific activities, people, style of dress, etc)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial as it well help you recognize any negative thought patterns and provide ways to change those patterns in a healthy way