Depression strikes at any age, and young people with physical disabilities are at a greater risk for developing this mental health condition. This is especially true for young children and teens who are still learning how to live with having abilities that differ from their peers. Fortunately, the best way to combat depression is to surround someone with support, and these five techniques are effective for helping young people to enjoy positive mental wellbeing.

Find Natural Methods for Pain Relief

Young people with a disability often struggle with physical pain that affects their mental health. Unfortunately, many common prescription painkillers are addictive or come with side effects such as daytime fatigue or foggy thinking that increase the symptoms of depression. For this reason, dealing with depression in young people must begin by assessing their physical health and taking into account their current treatment strategies. Often, using natural methods of pain relief such as acupuncture and massage promote a feeling of relaxation that eases the symptoms of depression.

Encourage Socialization

Society often depicts childhood and adolescence as a carefree time in life where play and fun are highlighted. Young people with a disability sometimes feel robbed of normalcy, and they may find it harder to make friends when they feel different from everyone else. Finding supportive friends is essential for encouraging positive emotions. As a young person with a disability connects with others, they benefit from laughter and shared conversations. Socializing also encourages these teens to be involved in activities that bolster their self-confidence.

Foster Independence

No one likes sitting around while others do things for them. A sense of helplessness is a common symptom of depression that is exacerbated by physical disabilities. This is especially true for young people who have recently acquired a disability or that still need assistance to learn how to do things on their own. Encouraging independence through the use of mobility aids and assistive devices gives young people the opportunity to enjoy the reward that comes with learning to do things on their own. As they feel less dependent upon others, young people with a disability tend to also enjoy better mental wellbeing.

Offer Art Therapy

The arts offer many opportunities to tailor a young person’s activities to fit their abilities, and enjoying the success of finishing a masterpiece elevates a child’s spirit. For example, a child with mobility issues may enjoy sitting as they paint on a canvas. Alternatively, writing engages a young person’s mind in a way that allows them to transcend any disability. Participating in a play, screenwriting and sculpting are a few more types of activity that promote relaxation and happiness.

Attend Family Therapy

When a member of the family has a disability, it affects the entire family. Addressing emotional reactions to the disability such as guilt, shame and resentment are important for easing depression. Group therapy sessions that allow all of the members of the family to share their feelings while working toward a solution is a technique that works alongside other strategies for dealing with depression.

In young people, depression is a health condition that must be addressed due to its ability to also lead to drug addiction and other issues that affect a child’s mental health. By providing a young person with a disability a full round of support, it is possible to help them feel confident and strong enough to work toward enjoying life again.

Paradigm San Francisco is state of the art, award winning treatment centre serving families in the US and abroad. Their programs offer treatment for adolescents who have issues they need help with; including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, ADD, Grief, Trauma,  Addiction, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders and any number of Mental or Emotional health concerns.

Visit www.paradigmsanfrancisco.com or email info@paradigmsanfrancisco.com to find out more.