Parenthood magnifies all your emotions. When your child has a personal victory, you, too, feel pride and happiness. Alternately, when they struggle, you also feel sadness and frustration. Even if you aren’t a parent, watching a young person you care about get mired in depression can be devastating. Because we want so badly to pull them out of their hurt and emotional paralysis as quickly as possible, our first instinct can be to turn to medication.

Medicine can be a useful tool in combating depression, but it can also cause a number of debilitating side effects. In addition, scientists are seeing long-term negative effects of antidepressants in teens. This doesn’t mean medication for depression is always a bad idea. If you do choose to medicate your child, be aware that studies show behavioral interventions in conjunction with medication can be far more effective than medication alone.

In many cases, research suggests that behavioral changes to combat feelings of depression may be extremely helpful without the need for pills at all. These behavioral modifications are exactly what you would guess; they include talk therapy, creativity, meditation, a healthy diet, exercise and sleep.

Behavioral antidepressants can help meet three needs of teens: emotional safety, connection and confidence.

Utah therapist Alex Ibarra said, “A child will feel safer when there are routines implemented in the home.” Having a set bedtime and morning routine will benefit children by ensuring they get enough sleep, but it will also help them feel safe. The predictability and consistency of that routine help them know what to expect and what is expected of them. There is emotional safety in that.

Setting boundaries regarding tech use helps young people in similar ways. These boundaries may be rules limiting the amount of time allowed on electronic devices or agreements that parents will be able to monitor online activities. Depression may decrease due to less time spent comparing themselves to others or mindlessly scrolling through manufactured and negative content. Getting off the internet may also encourage children to pursue a hobby or get outside. It may mean more productive use of social media and the internet in general.

Kids who know their parents monitor their online activities make better choices online about what to post, who to chat with and what content to view.

In addition to creating safety, behavioral antidepressants can help increase connections between teens and trusted adults. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood. Parents can make this goal easier to achieve by joining in. A standing date for a bike ride, hike or gym class will not only strengthen muscles but also relationships. Many of the best conversations are had not when simply sitting and talking but while doing something together.

I have lived near a walking trail for many years. When I am outside doing yard work, I hear people deep in conversation as they approach and pass my house. These conversations can be very personal, and sometimes I wish I could hear the end of whatever story they are talking about! Did she leave the marriage? Did the boss get arrested? It seems that exercising together inspires people to open up to one another and form deep connections.

Finally, confidence can grow through behavioral antidepressant modifications. Self-care teaches children to value themselves. Meditation allows them to be comfortable with who they are or realize where they may need to make adjustments. Serving others makes them feel empowered. Creativity gives them a sense of identity.

Ultimately, behavioral modifications to fight off depression are also ways to provide safety, connection and confidence for young people. When those needs are met, children thrive.

United Way of Utah County is on a mission to help every child in our community feel safe, connected and confident. You can listen to our latest podcast episode at anchor.fm/everydaystrong (or on Apple Podcast and Spotify). Learn more about us at everydaystrong.org.

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