Depression in Teens & Young Adults, Everything You Need To Know

**A gentle warning, this episode discusses depression and suicide. If you are feeling vulnerable in this area, please consult with a doctor or mental health professional in your area. Or call the Suicide Prevention number listed in the resources.**

This episode of The Warfare Parenting Podcast is all about understanding depression in teens and young adults, and everything that you need to know as a parent if your child begins showing signs of depression. Our guest on today's episode is Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a board certified, clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She sits down with Laine to discuss the many different ways depression can present itself in teens and young adults, and how parents can be properly equipped to help their children through the hardships of depression.

Dr. Michelle shares that depression is not a one-size fits all type of mental illness. There are many different ways that depression can manafest in teens and young adults, as well as create different behaviors, habits and emotions once they begin to experience depression. She emphasizes that parents should not be afraid to ask certain questions to their child, including "have you thought about harming yourself?", because it opens up a path for them to share what they are feeling. It is not your fault as a parent that your child struggles with depression, but it is your responsibility to get them the help they need.

Who is Dr. Michelle Bengtson?

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and mental disorders in children, adults, and seniors. Dr. Bengtson worked at several major medical centers prior to starting her private clinical practice in Southlake, Texas in the year 2000. She worked in rehabilitation, consultation and liason, hematology and oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry departments of both pediatric and general medical institutions. She worked extensively with patients suffering from chronic mental illness, traumatic brain injury, stroke, seizures, learning disabilities, attention and memory disorders, developmental disorders, and psychological difficulties. She loves offering practical resources to help her audience grow in your walk with the Lord.

Things We Talk About in this Episode:

• What are the different ways depression can manafest itself in teens & young adults?
• How common is depression in teens & young adults, and how often do they come in to seek help on their own?
• Should parents ask their child if they have contemplated hurting themself if the parent knows the child is depressed?
• How important are things like physical touch (hugs, pats on the back, handshakes) for our children when it comes to decreasing their stress?

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Dr. Michelle and her resources, books, and more by checking out her website: www.drmichellebengtson.com

US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Or you can text "home" to 741741

Free Resources - A Gift from Laine to You! https://lainelawsoncraft.com/life

Free - Is Life Hurting Too Much: The Three R's to Walking into Healing" E-BOOK

DOWNLOAD FREE: 5 Warfare Prayers for Your Prodigal: https://lainelawsoncraft.com/warfare-prayers/

Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of Warfare Parenting. I hope you've found some encouragement or helpful info in this episode to help you on your journey. If you have a specific topic, you'