If you are reading this and you have a teenager who you think is depressed and/or anxious, don’t be afraid to seek out our Bozeman counselors and other services nCenter offers for them.  It can be scary having thoughts about not wanting to exist or having the desire to end your life. Your teen might be hesitant to go, but it could help them cope with feelings of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue they are struggling with.

 

As the parent, here are some considerations to keep in mind when looking for a Montana counselor for your teen:

  • Find a counselor who maintains a calm, firm, and non-controlling demeanor and avoids being sucked into power struggles. This stance bypasses the teen’s emotional reactivity.
  • Make sure the counselor understands that progress will include setbacks. Progress not perfection is an adage that holds true.
  • See to it that the counselor leads with empathy for both the teen and the parents. You should feel comfortable with the counselor and eventually, so should your teen.
  • Find a counselor who is engaged and active–someone who asks sincere questions about your teen’s interests and builds rapport with them.
  • Make sure the counselor keeps it real. For example, the counselor might share stories of their own frustrations as a teen. 

Here are some basics you can implement that can help your teen with mental health issues and our Bozeman counseling can help with:

  • Nutrition

Poor dietary habits can have an adverse effect on a developing adolescent body. If we want to help teens tackle depression and  anxiety, we have to teach them to eat well and take care of their body. Counseling sessions with a Bozeman nutritional counselor can work to increase your teen’s  health. At the nCenter we have a functional medicine nutritionist and nutritional counseling to help determine your teen’s specific needs as well as give you input towards the daily nutritional intake your teen needs.  

  • Sleep

Teens aren’t getting enough sleep and report sleeping less than the recommended 8 to 10 hours. Lack of sleep and stress go hand in hand and both are common aspects of a teen’s life. Dedicating time at night to staying off the phone before bed and establishing a bedtime routine are some important factors for teens to consider for bettering their sleep.  

  • Exercise

Adolescents should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Most of the hour should be dedicated to moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. Current research shows that only 1 in 4 teenagers get this recommended amount of physical activity. Whether it is taking a quick walk outside or going to the gym, dedicating time to staying active helps to better your teen’s overall health. 

With all this remember that what your teen needs most is you. Going for a walk, sitting at the side of your teen’s bed at bedtime and/or having a meal together can support your teen’s mental health. With the busyness of life, it is easy to overlook your teen’s need for you, the parent. Take one step at a time to progress toward time together with your teen. You are likely more important to them than they show.

nCenter is always ready to help you and your family. We offer counseling and neurofeedback services for every person that needs us today!