Studies show that almost a third of teenagers will battle depression at some point during adolescence. We need to be equipped to recognize the signs of depression and how we can help.

Key Points:

  • Talk honestly about your observations. Share the signs of depression you have noticed and even address the statistics on teen depression. If you are a youth leader or mentor, talk to the teen’s parents about your concerns as well.
  • Share specific things you love about them. Be specific so they know that you really know them and care about them as an individual.
  • Help them look to the future. Encourage your teen to look to the future and help them come up with some goals they would like to achieve and the ways to accomplish them. Jeremiah 29:11
  • Pray for your teenager. Pray that God would give you wisdom and insight and that your teen could understand God’s love for them and the plans he has for their life. Jeremiah 29:11.
  • Seek professional help. It’s never a bad thing to reach out to a trained professional to get their insight and to gain helpful coping mechanisms for depression. Remember, you aren’t a professional counselor so don’t try to take the place of one. Your job is to be a mentor and an encourager.
Discussion:
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What signs of depression have you noticed in your teen? On a scale from 1-10, how prevalent are they?
  3. How have you tried to help your teen with depression in the past? What worked and what didn’t? Explain.
  4. Do you see value in having a direct and honest conversation with your teen about your observations? Explain. What do you fear in doing that?
  5. Is there a different way a youth leader/mentor should approach this kind of conversation than a parent would? Explain.
  6. Make a list of things you admire and appreciate about your teen. How will you share those with them?
  7. Read Jeremiah 29:11. How can you use this verse to encourage your teenager?
  8. Why do you think talking to your teen about future goals and aspirations is helpful?
  9. Why is professional counseling important to the process? How can you go about finding the appropriate resources in your community?
  10. If a youth leader/mentor, what’s the best approach to sharing your concerns with a parent?
  11. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
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