Stress in the shorter term is considered beneficial for increasing the mental health of a child. But, long untreated stress can result in a number of diseases.
Among these, depression is at the top of the list. The rate of depression and anxiety is increasing among teens at a dramatically higher rate. It transits from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2012.
The rapidly increasing depression is an alarming sign for health experts and professionals. One potential solution for this is seeking help from counselors to reduce depression among teens.
Let’s discuss some potential ways proposed by Crowd Writer that counselors can adopt to help a suffering child.
1. Reduce Negative Thinking
The youngsters easily get victimized by the negative thinking and energy around them. The majority of teens are found repeating negative sentences like; I hate this, I am not fit for this, I’ll never make it. These are considered the first symptoms or development of depression.
As a counselor, you should not only discourage them from using such words. Along with this, you should use positive sentences and encourage them to do so.
Make them reminded of any situation in which they feel better and support them to continuously try. Using examples of athletes and actors can be the most suitable in this situation.
2. Increase Media Literacy
In the modern digital world, every type of media can play a revolutionary role in a depressed teen’s life. The students are spending more time on social media than on any other medium. And these are the source of cyberbullying, the need for excessive, and jealousy from others.
Counselors should promote the positive use of media and spread awareness regarding bullying. Arranging a podcast or webinar will be more effective. You can use an online questionnaire or short quizzes to attract students.
3. Utilize Model Coping System
The usage of a coping system is the oldest yet most effective way of reducing depression among teenagers. The counselor can use their own life story or take inspiration from any other famous personality to motivate children.
These inspirational characters work as an illuminated path for the children to follow their passion and dream. It is suggested to invite the person to let him/her inspire children directly. It will create more impact on their mentality and energy level.
4. Managing a Collaborative Relationship
It is obligatory for a counselor to weave a strong relationship with their patients. Providing the space to talk and utter their feelings is important to acquire their sufferings. The majority of depressed patients are in search of an individual who can sympathize with them and listen to them attentively.
Counselors should arrange a meeting session with children, even if they do not show any symptoms of depression. This practice will support in regulating their mental health and tracing any potential threat at the initial level.
5. Leverage in Tasks
The counselor will be responsible for looking after the academic performances of their students. In case any student is unable to perform academically well, he/she needs special attention. You can divide their routine and tasks into smaller segments. This division will support in identifying the issue and gray areas.
Or, if your patient is suffering from severe symptoms of depression, you can request a special off day for them. This will reflect the peer support teachers and counselors have, increasing their morale.
6. Neglect Negative Techniques
Since the initiation of the education system, there have been a number of techniques used to train and teach students. However, with time the need and demand for these techniques shift rapidly.
The negative teaching techniques may include; punishment, home detention, or sarcasm. These techniques create a long-lasting and significant negative impression on students.
Therefore, the counselor should regulate the environment and exclude the usage of any such technique. Rather, a polite and understanding gesture is required by the counselors to adopt. You can utilize multiple techniques to increase your academic level and confidence.
7. Plan Achievements
Planning for achievements is the most crucial role that any counselor has to play. To the possible extent, tasks and things should be arranged in a sequential manner leading towards some achievement. Inquire from a teen regarding their ambition and plan the step accordingly.
Schedule extracurricular activities that enable them to unleash their potential. Paying a visit to the place where a student wants to be in the future can be an effective one.
8. Read between the Lines
A child may get attached to the counselor, but it requires a lot of time to speak out openly. A number of students fear being judged and hesitate to speak in front of a counselor. Therefore, it is obligatory for them to read between the lines.
Avoid using professional terminologies and complex sentence structures. Using simple vocabulary and shorter sentences are more recommended.
9. Nourish them with Support
Counselors have a crucial role to play in a teen’s life. Sometimes, they have to fulfill the emotional shortcomings of their parents. Counselors have to act more than a mentor and provide them with nourishment and Emotional Support to regrow in life.
Many studies suggested that students having a counselor’s Support are less likely to develop depression. Using positive words and spending leisure time with teens can be supportive. Along with this, helping them with personal chores, such as; guiding them about periods, is essential to cement their relationship.
10. Practice Strong Emotions
An emotionally balanced individual is the strongest one to deal with any situation in life. It is necessary to teach them to practice strong emotional skills. Focusing on the current situation and distinguishing between the necessitates and luxuries are the basic step of practicing emotional intelligence.
They are followed by labeling emotions and eliminating unwanted emotions. The strong emotional teen will be more ambitious and courageous, leading a healthy life.
11. Appreciate Positive Peer Relationships
Teens consider their peers as a benchmark or symbol of approval. Although, if these relationships are negative and unhealthy, it can lead to severe depression. The feeling of being unfit and left alone is the most lethal one.
Counselors are bound to attract and promote positive relationships among teens. The real meaning and value of friendship should be taught to them. You can encourage them to make friends from different cultures and social backgrounds to understand the ecosystem of society. Along with this, you can arrange cultural days and make them acceptable to differences.
12. Draft a purpose for life
The counselors are not suggested to work without any purpose and penetrate into a teen’s life. It is your responsibility to train them adequately and prepare them for the future. This training must comply with their future goals.
It is your responsibility to be an additional hand in polishing their skills instead of overburdening them with an extra curriculum. If a teen is unaware of his/her passion, you can support them in extracting their passion.
Make them visit different sports events and places by noting hand and body gestures to try to identify their true passion.
13. Facilitate Social Interaction
Social interaction and a positive environment is the utmost element for eliminating depression. Racism and hatred towards other religions and colors can be damaging to teens.
Teaching them acceptance and tolerance is an essential need of the century. Arranging workshops and pairing students with different colors and religious counterparts can support arranging positive social interactions.
The counselors can also facilitate them to increase their convenience and make them feel confident to communicate with others.
While Summing Up…
Teenagers are getting victimized by depression at a much faster rate. The major reasons for this are the social media and digital lifestyle adopted by influential personalities, also known as social media sensations, along with complex life routines and performance pressure.
Counselors or mentors play a major role in reducing the prevalence of depression among children. They can be any accomplished individual whom teens can trust. The use of counselors for reducing depression is beneficial as they have direct access to the field and have firsthand knowledge of the child’s sufferings.
I hope the different ways that I have mentioned to reduce depression will be beneficial to counselors. If you have any other ways, then do tell me.
