Teenage years aren’t very easy. Sometimes it’s perfectly normal to be melancholic or a little irritable. But you should try to keep it under control because if you fail to cope up with irritability or agitation, you might be suffering from depression.

Prevention is always better than cure. The same is applied in the case of teen depression. But before we jump into the category of “prevention”, we should know about the signs and symptoms of Depression first.

How to Recognize Teen Depression

• Constant irritability, mood swings and unnatural anger
• You feel that you are guilty, worthless or just “bad” for any reason whatsoever
• Disruption in the sleep cycle
• Weight loss or gain without being conscious of the same
• Poor concentration
• You might feel suicidal at some point (If this happens, you MUST talk to someone as soon as possible)
• Unexplained physical ailments like headaches, migraine

So you see that the depression zone isn’t something very enjoyable. We have therefore compiled seven handy tips to prevent a teenager falling into the clutches of depression. Let’s begin.

1. A sound sleep is one of the keys to preventing depression

Poor sleeping habits are one of the major causes of depression. Disturbance in circadian rhythms is always linked to depression.

Therefore, it’s advisable to go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time. Maintain a bedtime routine and stick to it. Your sleep cycle will remain perfect thereby, keeping depression at bay.

2. Physical exercise is a type of natural antidepressant

In a recent study, it’s found that physical exercise brings about a marked improvement in depressed patients. So whenever you feel down, go for a workout with your music on. You will brighten up in no time.
Here are a few effective exercises to keep depression at bay and move on to a healthy and cheerful teenage life.

• A short sprint or jog
• Lifting weight
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Walking

Outdoor gaming (Having fun in fresh air can work wonders)

3. Blood sugar should be regulated to keep depression at bay

A spike in blood sugar might induce a whole lot of depression in you. In a recent study, it’s found that sugar consumption and depression go hand in hand.

So you see that balancing blood sugar level is the key. Therefore, you should try to keep a lid on your sugar consumption to bring your blood sugar under control.

4. DO NOT resort to drinking or recreational drugs to boost your mood

The lure of drinking and recreational drugs might look very tempting but do not fall into that trap. These substances can destroy your entire life.

The euphoric moments are temporary, and soon afterward, pain follows and with it comes depression. Once in, do remember that it’s difficult to get out.

5. Find a passion in your life

Finding out a true purpose in life gives a meaning to it. Once you develop that passion in life, you will go miles away from the clutches of depression.

So what do you love? Do you love to paint? Do you love to play? Do you love to read? Do you want to cook? Just do what you love and pour your hearts into it. You’ll find that inner peace in no time.

6. Consume healthy fats

Eating healthy fats like omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is an effective way of keeping depression at bay.

This unique fatty acid is found in:

• Salmons
• Trouts
• Sardines
• Walnuts etc.

7. Socialize with friends and relatives

Do not isolate yourself. Isolation is one of the main reasons for depression.

Try to socialize yourself with friends and relatives or with persons with whom you are comfortable with. Spend some quality time with them.

Being a little garrulous isn’t that bad.

Last but not the least, we would like to say that being misunderstood is a part of life. Try to understand that fact and move on with it. It’s not necessary to feel bogged down because of that. You aren’t the only person in the world to go through tough times. Take everything with a smile on your face. If you take everything that life throws at you with a smile on your face, you’ll see life smiling down upon you at the same time.

So eat healthy and stay happy. You’ll kick out depression in no time. 

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