Sitting in the Dark with Your Teen
By Angel Wagner, MSW, LCSW – October 21, 2026 –
Depression can affect people of any age, yet it is easy to overlook the possibility that teens may be struggling. As adults, we may view adolescence as a time of freedom and excitement compared to the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood. Because of this, we might dismiss signs of depression in teens as hormonal changes or simply “having an attitude.” However, depression is more than occasional sadness, and recognizing the signs early can make a meaningful difference in a teen’s well-being.
Teens face their own challenges as they navigate their sense of identity, changing friendships, academic expectations, and everyday stress. If you suspect your teen may be experiencing depression, pay attention to changes in their behavior. Signs may include sleeping significantly more or less than usual, changes in appetite, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, increased irritability, or withdrawing from family and friends. Difficulty concentrating, declining grades, and expressing feelings of hopelessness may also be signs of concern. Because some symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD, consider speaking with a healthcare or mental health professional. Most importantly, create opportunities to talk openly with your teen about what they are experiencing.
One of the most meaningful ways to support your teen is to be a consistent, caring presence in their life. Let them know you are available to listen without judgment. Resist the urge to immediately offer advice or solutions. Sometimes, being heard and having someone acknowledge their feelings is more helpful than receiving suggestions. Setting aside even a few uninterrupted minutes each day to check in can strengthen your relationship and help your teen feel safe turning to you when life becomes difficult.
Encouraging movement and connection can also help. Suggest taking a walk together, planning a family activity, or enjoying a night out. Even a short, ten-minute walk around the block can create an opportunity to connect. Your teen may initially resist due to a lack of interest or energy, so keep expectations realistic and celebrate small steps. Gentle encouragement, rather than pressure, can help them gradually reconnect with people and activities they once enjoyed.
Depression can be difficult to navigate, especially during the many emotional and social changes of adolescence. Paying attention to warning signs, sitting with your teen in the dark, listening without judgment, and encouraging small steps toward connection are meaningful ways to help your teen feel supported. Remember, you do not have to face these challenges alone. If you are concerned about your teen, reach out to their school, doctor, or a mental health professional. If your teen expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate support. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and with the right support, hope and healing are possible.
Angel Wagner, MSW, LCSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at New Tech Institute in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 138 schools across 15 Indiana counties. Over 56,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
