HealthInfo Canterbury
Supporting a young person with depression
Important
At times, suicide might seem like a solution to depression. If you or a friend is considering acting on suicidal thoughts and needs help, phone the Depression Helpline on 0800‑111‑757 or txt 4202 (available 24/7), or phone Youthline 0800‑37-66-33 or txt 234 (available 24/7). Or you can contact your local mental health crisis team:
- 8:30 am to 5 pm weekdays 0800‑218‑219, press option 2
- nights, weekends, and public holidays 0800‑920‑092
- Ashburton 0800‑222‑955.
Parents, whānau/family and caregivers are really important to the wellbeing of young people. The support they give to young people is essential.
If you're worried about a friend or family member who is depressed, try to get them to see someone who can help. Their GP is a good first choice. Other people who can help include their school counsellor, a nurse, a youth worker or a trusted family member. Offer to go an appointment with them for support.
When young people have depression, they aren't always able to ask for help. They may even refuse help at times when you can see they need it.
You can support them and help with their recovery by:
- taking their depression seriously
- taking all suicidal talk seriously and seeking immediate help
- showing them that you offer them unconditional love and support
- listening and encouraging rather than talking and nagging
- noticing and encouraging the things they do that will help them
- remembering that even if it doesn't seem like it, your relationship with this young person is important and they need you
- understanding your own views about mental health and learning about misconceptions and myths
- trying to keep an open mind. Remember, something must be wrong for them to react like this.
It's really important that parents, whānau/family and caregivers look after themselves and get extra support if they need it. Talk to your partner, friends, a doctor, Youthline or the Depression Helpline for ways to make supporting your child easier.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Depression.org – Help someone
Suggestions for helping someone who has depression.
- The Lowdown – Support a friend
Suggestions for helping a friend or family member.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created April 2020.
See also:
Getting help if your child is being bullied
Healthy eating information for teens & young adults
Review key: HIDPY-49622
