Depression Therapy For Teens in Toronto

Depression shows up a bit differently in each person. It can look like gradual and subtle changes in your child or seem to come on quite suddenly.

You may notice a decline in social interactions, hygiene and grooming, motivation and energy, or academic performance.

Changes in emotional expression, sleep and appetite are also common. A more comprehensive list of depression symptoms can be found on our Depression Therapy for Teens page. Trust your instincts – if something feels different or concerning to you, it’s worth checking in.

If your teen is showing signs of depression, starting therapy sooner rather than later can make a big difference. Early intervention can help prevent symptoms from getting worse, make things feel more manageable, and equip your teen and family with resources and strategies to cope.

Starting by reviewing therapist bios and booking a consultation or an initial session can be a gentle way to explore how therapy may be able to help your teen.

If your teen’s symptoms feel very intense, very sudden, and you’re concerned about any suicidal inclinations, we would recommend more immediate interventions such as a hospital visit. During this difficult time, we encourage parents to see a therapist so they know how to support their child.

We recommend that your GP be involved, especially if the depression is severe. We’re happy to get in touch with your health care team (with consent) if that’s helpful.

Medication is outside of the scope of our practice here, so we strongly recommend involving your GP if your child is struggling with depression. In general, a treatment plan for depression is tailored uniquely to each person and depends on several factors, including severity and duration of symptoms.

Some teens with mild to moderate symptoms of depression may find therapy itself to be helpful, while other teens with more severe depression may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. There is a lot of research that supports the combination of medication and therapy for treating depression.

If your teen is in therapy for depression, their therapist may recommend that you initiate a conversation with your GP about starting medication or requesting a psychiatric assessment.

Your response will depend on how severe your teen’s symptoms are. For milder or moderate depression, focus on staying connected and approaching them without judgement. Check in regularly, express your care, and ask how you can support them. Encourage conversation, while also respecting that they may not always have the energy or ability to talk. Seeking support from a therapist on our team can also be helpful.

If symptoms are more severe or persistent, involve professional support as soon as possible. If your teen is talking about suicide, has a plan, or has attempted to harm themselves, seek immediate help by taking them to the nearest emergency department.

It can be confusing, scary, and sometimes frustrating to see your teen struggle in ways that feel different than your own experience. It’s important to consider that depression is not a measure of how tough someone is nor is it always related to the amount of struggle a person has been through.

It’s shaped by a complex mix of biology, personality, stress, environment, past adverse experiences, and life stages. What affects one person deeply might not impact another in the same way. While it’s an understandable thing to do, comparing two different people’s experiences and responses to life can feel dismissive or drive a wedge between them and lead to disconnection.

By accepting that both your experience and your teen’s experience are real and valid, you open the door to more understanding, connection, and support.

We urge you to take them to the closest hospital or contact emergency lines such as 988 or Kids Help Phone Crisis Line 686868. After a suicide attempt, teens often need intensive support that is available through the hopsital. While we can sometimes see someone in a time-sensitive crisis, it’s not guaranteed.

If your teen is in the hospital after an attempt, it may be possible to schedule a virtual appointment with their therapist.

This can be terrifying to witness as a parent. We encourage you to read Jennie Benjamins’ blog: My Teen is Self-Harming and I am Scared. How Do I Talk to Them About It?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as a parent, we encourage you to get in touch with your therapist or book a parenting session. It might be helpful to also let your child’s therapist know.