Depression is a medical illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make someone constantly feel negative, sad, aloof, and unmotivated. It can last for weeks, months, or even years. It can be caused by anxieties, certain situations, or nothing at all. Depressive disorder can affect people of all ages, including teens and even young children.

Young people frequently suffer from depressive disorders, which leaves parents with lots of questions such as: why does it happen, and what can they do for their child? The good news is that depression is treatable and some of the best depression therapies are in the form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques.

In the past, it was believed that adolescents could not have depression, but in reality, depression affects people of all ages. Often, depression in children and teens is triggered by events such as a loss in the family, changing schools, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. In some people, depression has no external cause. Depression is often genetic, meaning mothers and fathers suffering from depression are more likely to have children who experience depression.

There are many different forms of depression. Most children with depression have a type of major depression. This type affects a person’s ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some children and teens may also have a milder type of depression called Dysthymia, which is a long-term type of depression with less severe symptoms than major depression. A rarer but still common type of depression is manic-depression (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by mood swings from extreme sadness to extreme happiness.

Depression can be a problem for young people because their symptoms are different from the symptoms adults commonly display, making it harder to recognize and treat. Often, young people with depression will not seem sad or “depressed” as one would find in adults. Chronic irritability is usually one of the biggest signs of depression in children and teens. Depression symptoms may not be obvious, but may include difficulty sleeping, persistent sadness, tiredness, and decreased interest in activities they used to love.

A child with depression may have trouble with schoolwork, have difficulty-making friends, or get in trouble by “acting up,” a cry for attention. The effects are also pronounced for teens, who may experiment with drugs and alcohol to escape their depression. Depression is not the sufferer’s fault, but people with depression can get treatment and find out how to handle their depression.

Depression treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant medication. Group psychotherapy can be beneficial for teens and children by providing a safe place to share their feelings with others. Online services such as teen chat rooms can also provide information on depression and serve as a therapy group for the depressed.

Behavioral therapy can help teach people how to handle their depression. Therapy can help families understand what causes depression. Family therapy helps educate parents on depressive disorders and what they can do to help them.

In some cases, antidepressants or antipsychotic medications are prescribed. This is only done under the supervision of a doctor who will watch the child’s health and mental state. Even though people with severe depression may have a need for antidepressants, these drugs can have undesirable side effects, especially in young people, who are still developing. This is why therapy, support and understanding from parents and professional counselors, and the use of treatments that help young people learn how to relieve their own depression are considered to be better for helping young people with depression.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can be used to relieve stress, tension, and depression. They help people develop safe and positive coping mechanisms for handling depression. It works for everyone because it is safe, does not require the use of any drugs, and is an effective form of self-therapy.

One NLP technique used to combat depression is the NLP Flash. This technique teaches your mind to use the feelings that create anxiety and depression as triggers for thoughts that create relaxation. It is a technique that even young people can use to help them cope with their depression.

People with depression can overcome it. Therapy can help depressed people of all ages find relief. NLP techniques are perfect for helping adolescents and their families cope with tension and depression. These treatments can diminish or even eliminate depression in people of all ages.

Alan B. Densky, CH is a certified hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner. He’s helped thousands of clients since 1978. He offers CDs for hypnotic therapy for depression. Visit his Neuro-VISION hypnosis website for the hypnosis article repository, or watch his free video hypnosis collection.

– Alan B. Densky, CH