HealthInfo Canterbury
Self-care for depression in teens & young adults
Te whakaora ake i te pāpōuri ki ngā taiohi me rangatahi
There are lots of things you can do to get better. It can be hard to ask for help but keeping it to yourself can only make it worse. Like any illness, the sooner you get help, the sooner you will get better.
Start by talking to someone who you know cares about you and who you can trust. For example, a parent, school counsellor, doctor, friend, teacher or whānau (family) member.
There a lots of things you can do to help with depression.
Keep moving
Being physically active can make you feel better. Regular physical activity is as effective as medication in treating mild to moderate depression. Starting to be more active can be daunting when you're suffering from depression. Start small and think about giving yourself a plan to stick to. Any activity helps such as going for a walk or playing a sport.
Sleep well
Despite your best efforts, depression can make it hard to sleep well. It helps to get to bed at a reasonable hour and to minimise distractions such as using electronic devices in bed.
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
It can be tempting to use alcohol or recreational drugs to help with symptoms of depression. In the long term, alcohol and drugs will make your mood worse or cause more problems to develop. Sometimes, it's hard to stop using alcohol or drugs without some professional help. If this is your situation, talk to your general practice team about drug and alcohol counselling or contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800-787-797.
Eat well
Depression can affect how much or what kinds of food you want to eat. Eating well helps your brain recover from depression. For a range of healthy eating resources and recipes, see Meal planning & recipes.
Stay social
Staying connected to friends and family will help you recover from depression. Even a small amount of social contact daily is enough, until you're ready for more. Get involved in something that feels meaningful to you, whether it’s through your school, a sport, your church or marae or a community project.
Remember that connecting through social media can be harmful to your mental health if not controlled. See Have a healthy social media life.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness may also be helpful. It's a mental discipline that helps connect you to the here-and-now and regain control. The Smiling Mind app is an excellent free resource to get you started with mindfulness.
Phone lines
Use online and phone services for help. These include:
- 1737, need to talk? – Phone 1737 or 0800-1737-1737 or txt 1737 (available 24/7). Trained counsellors who use proven behavioural support techniques.
- Youthline – Phone 0800-37-66-33 or txt 234 (available 24/7) or email talk@youthline.co.nz. Free non-judgemental trained counsellors. They will listen and help you through your problems.
- Depression Helpline – Phone 0800-111-757 or txt 4202 (available 24/7). Trained counsellors who can talk you through your problems and suggest help in your area.
- The Lowdown – Txt 5626 (available 24/7) or go to thelowdown.co.nz and select the Email link.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Ask Aunty Dee
Aunty Dee can help you solve problems with issues like bullying, depression, drinking, grief and sex. The website is designed for young Pasifika people, but it can help all rangatahi.
On the next page: Getting help with depression in youth & teens
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIDPY-49622
