Parents Given Guidance on Communicating with Depressed Teens

Depression in adolescents reshapes daily family life, affecting meals, sleep, school and household mood. Parents are urged to stay close while avoiding becoming therapists or constant monitors. Maintaining a predictable environment, moderating expectations and discussing adjustments with the teen and, if needed, a professional can help preserve the family link.

Psychiatrist Marian Rojas Estapé and neuropsychologist Carina Castro recommend finding "window" moments – activities where the teen feels relaxed and unobserved, such as driving, cooking or walking – to open dialogue without direct eye contact. They suggest pausing before responding, allowing silence for the teen to speak, and focusing on concrete observations rather than repeated “how are you?” questions. WHO and UNICEF emphasize that sustained parent‑child connection is foundational for mental‑well‑being.