Did you know 2.5 million youth in the U.S. experience severe depression? According to the “State of Mental Health in America” study conducted by Mental Health America, 10.6% of these are youth facing severe depression.

According to the study, the percentage of youth living with major depression is climbing. 15.08% of them experienced a severe depressive episode in the past year. This was up 1.24% versus the dataset a year prior.

How can you assist teens who are struggling with depression? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah is an organization dedicated to helping youth through one-to-one mentoring. You can lend a helping hand by considering volunteer opportunities in Utah. With that said, here are some tips to help a teen with depression.

Ask Questions and Listen 

Common signs of depression include the following:

  • mood swings
  • angry outbursts
  • loss of interest in usual activities
  • fixation on the macabre

If a teen you know appears to be struggling with depression — given the aforementioned possible signs — you can broach the subject by asking specific questions and listening to them.

You might ask something like, “Is everything okay?” You can use such questions as a springboard toward a deeper discussion. While asking questions, don’t forget to listen and to respond appropriately.

Help Teens Get Needed Support

When seeking to help teens struggling with depression, you may want to get them the professional assistance needed. 

Another way a teen with depression can get support is by joining groups to be around their peers and responsible adults. Volunteer opportunities in Utah with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah allow youth to be supported by a mentor. 

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah for More Info

Do you want more information about how to help a teen struggling with depression? Get in touch with us at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah by visiting bbbsu.org/ to learn about volunteer opportunities in Utah. Be part of the solution for youth who need a helping hand.

For 40+ years, we’ve been matching volunteer mentors with young people. And our ultimate goal is to help children reach their full potential.