There Is Help For Depressed Teens: The School Solution

According to statistics, approximately 20 % of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood.  There is a close link between teen depression and serious issues with school, relationships and even suicide. If you are the parent of a depressed teen you may feel exhausted, frightened. Statistically there is more hopelessness and helplessness among teens today, however it is not time for parents to give up. There are so many options with unique therapeutic and educational approaches; somewhere there is a place for every child to succeed.

The School Solution can find that place

At The School Solution we provide consultation and placement services with top-notch matches for families with a teen who is struggling in his or her current academic environment. Our mission at The School Solution is helping families find the best option for the health, wellbeing growth and education of their child.

Awareness about the risks of depression in teens is of critical importance for parents and educators these days. It has become vital for parents to learn to recognize the signs of teenage depression, and to seek proper care. One of the signs of depression is school refusal. It is not uncommon for a teen with depression to avoid or flat out refuse to go to school. Other signs may be the inability or reluctance to wake up and get dressed in the mornings, frequent visits to the school nurse, skipping classes, or frequent complaints of physical pain and sickness like headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or diarrhea and anxiety. Since the largest amount of their daily activities takes place at school, having the best school placement for depressed teenagers is of paramount importance.

There are also certain factors that can make depression in teens worse:

• Teen girls develop depression twice as often as boys.
• Abused and neglected teens are more at risk.
• Teens who suffer from chronic illnesses or other physical conditions are at risk.
• Teens with a family history of depression or mental illness are at risk- in fact, 20 to 50 % of teens suffering from depression have a family member with depression or some other mental disorder.
• Teens with untreated mental issues or substance-abuse addiction problems are at risk.
• Young people who have experienced trauma or disruptions at home, including divorce and deaths of parents are at risk.

Finding The Right School For A Depressed Teenager: The School Solution

At The School Solution we know from years of experience that depressed teens that are placed in the right school or program become psychologically safe and more readily available to learn, heal and grow. Carefully and thoughtfully selecting the right school with the appropriate environment and structure with supportive, professional staff is a critical decision with lifelong ramifications for your family. This is why the work of an educational consultant is so important, and why we take the role of finding the right school for a depressed teen so seriously.

There are hundreds of programs available for depressed pre-teens, teens, and young adults. As highly successful educational consultants we take the time to research/visit the programs, meet with the family and gather the existing data from the professionals working with the family. There are several “ School Options” for depressed teenagers:

• Supportive Schools
• Boarding Schools
• Therapeutic Schools & Treatment Centers

With these options, The School Solution families have the ability to make informed, specific decisions on geographic location, program/school type, differentiators between programs, and costs. Teen depression cannot be overlooked, and parents must look for positive ways to effectively reach teens before they become a part of a statistic.   If your child is isolating or is showing any depression indicators, don’t wait too long before seeking help from professionals like The School Solution.  

Early assessment and treatment can get your child and family back on the right track with improved relationships. While a wide variety of programs and schools exist for helping depressed teenagers, finding the best environment to address your teenagers individual needs can be daunting. Our specialty at The School Solution is in supporting families and it is the foundation of our success.

For more information on Karen Mabie and our staff visit us here.