{"id":22120,"date":"2023-04-14T18:50:54","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T18:50:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parent.bloomforall.com\/?p=22120"},"modified":"2023-10-09T23:26:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T23:26:42","slug":"how-to-support-communicate-with-teens-with-mood-disorders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/how-to-support-communicate-with-teens-with-mood-disorders\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Communicate Effectively With Teens Living With a Mood Disorder\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your tween or teen may have just been diagnosed by a health professional with a mood disorder. Or maybe you suspect they may be living with a mood disorder<\/a> and have yet to take them to see a trained mental health professional. Either way, you need to know how to effectively communicate with your young person.<\/p>

Mood disorders do not go away on their own. If left unaddressed and untreated they might get worse over time, thus creating more unnecessary pain and suffering. With the right treatment, however, your young person\u2019s mood can stabilize and over time they can return to a healthy level of functioning so they can fully enjoy their life again.<\/p>

As your young person navigates their mood disorder, how you communicate with them will be key to providing support<\/p>

Talking about how they feel can be a challenging and intimidating task, but it is also a vital part in helping them cope with their difficulties so they can heal. As you are working on establishing a caring and helpful way of communicating with your young person, you may want to bear in mind the following suggestions and conversation starters.<\/p>

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How to Communicate With Teens With a Mood Disorder<\/h2>

Be Fully Present and Focused on Them <\/h3>

Set some time aside and away from distractions and noisy surroundings. Let them know that this time is for them and about them. Listen carefully to what they are ready to share with you, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting them or judging them. It\u2019s important that they feel they have your undivided and unconditional love and attention.<\/p>

Educate Yourself on Mood Disorders<\/h3>

If you wish to talk to your young person about mood disorders or depression, it\u2019s essential that you learn all you can about how these disorders, mood disorders symptoms, and how mood disorders affect adolescents. The more you know about a given disorder, the symptoms, and the treatment options, the easier it\u2019ll be for you to understand what your young person is going through and how to help them cope with it.<\/p>

Use Gentle Language & a Calm Tone <\/h3>

Before you start a conversation with your young person, remember that it is essential that your voice be gentle, calm, and reassuring when you talk to them. Your peaceful voice and presence will make them feel safe and will help them open up to you. A good and straightforward way to start a conversation with your young person is by letting them know what you\u2019ve observed\/noticed.<\/p>

How to Start a Conversation With Your Teen With a Mood Disorder<\/h3>