Aspiring Spirit

Depression is an illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make someone constantly feel aloof, sad, negative, and unmotivated. It can last for days, weeks, or even months. It can result from anxieties, traumatic events, or triggered by nothing at all. It can affect people of any age, including teenagers and children.

Children and teens frequently suffer from depressive disorders, which leaves parents with lots of questions such as: why does it happen, and what can be done to treat depression? Fortunately, depressive disorder 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 children could not have depression, but in reality, depression can affect people of all ages. Often, depression in children and teens is triggered by events such as changing schools, a loss in the family, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. In some people, depression occurs spontaneously. Depression can be genetic, meaning parents with depression are more likely to have kids who suffer from depression.

There are several different forms of depressive disorder. Most young people with depression have a form of major depressive disorder. This type interferes with the ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some people may also suffer from a milder form of depression called Dysthymia, which is a long-term form of depression with less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder. A rarer but still common form of depressive disorder is manic-depression (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by sudden mood swings from extreme happiness to extreme sadness.

Depression can be a serious problem for adolescents because their symptoms are different from the ones adults frequently have, making it harder to recognize and treat. Often, young people with depression will not seem sad or “depressed” as one would expect in adults. Constant irritability is usually one of the major signs of depression in young people. Depression symptoms may not be obvious, but may include constant sadness, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, and decreased interest in activities they used to love.

Young people 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 use alcohol and drugs to escape their mental depression. Depressive disorder is not the sufferer’s fault, but those with depression do have the power to seek treatment and learn how to cope with their depression.

Depression help treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant drugs. Group therapy can be beneficial for teenagers and children by providing a safe place to share their feelings with their peers. Monitored online services such as forums for depressed teens can also provide information on depression and serve as a type of group therapy for depressed teens.

Behavioral counseling can help teach people how to manage their depression. Trained therapists can help parents understand what triggers a child’s depression. Family counseling helps educate parents on depression and what they can do to show their support.

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. Although people with depression may have a need for medications, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in adolescents, who are still developing. For this reason, counseling, understanding and support from parents and professional counselors, and the use of treatments that help children learn how to cope with their depression by themselves are considered to be better for helping children with depression.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practices can be used to treat stress, tension, and depression. They help people develop safe and constructive coping mechanisms for reducing depression. It works for everyone because it is safe, doesn’t require the use of any medications, and is a valuable form of self-therapy.

One NLP technique used to alleviate depression is known as the NLP Flash. This technique trains the unconscious mind to use the feelings that create anxiety and depression as triggers for thoughts that reduce depression instead. It is a technique that even young people can use to help them cope with their depression.

People who are diagnosed with depression need not suffer. Therapeutic techniques can help the depressed of all ages find relief. NLP techniques are perfect for helping adolescents and their families cope with tension and depression. These treatments can reduce or even eliminate depression in anyone.

Alan B. Densky, CH is an NGH certified hypnotherapist. He has helped thousands of clients since 1978. He offers CDs for self-hypnosis therapy for depression. Visit his Neuro-VISION self-hypnosis site for the hypnosis article library, or watch his free videos on hypnosis.

- Alan B. Densky, CH