Depression is a mental health condition that has affected about 16% of young adults and teenagers in the last year alone. This condition can make it increasingly difficult to find and maintain passions, especially for teenagers who are already struggling to build their identities. 

If you or another teenager you know might be struggling with depression, read here for more information on how to manage it.

How can depression make it hard to pursue passions (especially for teenagers)?

• It can make even simple tasks hard to complete — For teenagers dealing with depression, it can feel like work just to get through the day. Your depression may have drained you of all your energy and made even getting up out of bed hard to do — not to mention, spending most of your weekdays at school. It can feel like you never have the energy to work toward something you’re passionate about. Even on the days when you have a little more energy, you might feel pressed for time because you spend the majority of your time at school and have homework, dinner, and other responsibilities.
• It can be isolating — Depression can be especially isolating. People who once loved hanging out with their friends can become withdrawn and quiet. If you feel like this applies to you, you should know that social isolation can worsen symptoms of depression. It also makes it hard for you to do the things you normally love because you don’t have the support group you once had to encourage you.

What can someone (specifically, a teenager) do to manage their depression?

• Try to eat the right food for your body.
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Get regular exercise every day.

What else can be done to manage depression and help someone find their passion?

• Try unplugging for a bit — We know, it can be hard to walk away from your phone, but it’s worth a solid try. Unplugging doesn’t even have to involve deleting all your social media, but maybe try to avoid using your phone right before bed. You could indulge in an extensive, multistep skincare routine or listen to your favorite songs. Maybe read a page or two from a book (especially one you used to love), or put together an outfit you like for the next day. It might be helpful to complete little tasks that you feel are a good use of your time, rather than using up any spare minutes scrolling.

• Regularly visit a therapist — Attending regular sessions with a licensed therapist is a great way to work toward managing your depression. Not only can a therapist take note of the symptoms you describe, but they can help you understand how you can manage them. They might also be able to encourage you to try out a combination of the things you used to be passionate about as well as some new ones. It might involve you getting out of your comfort zone, but it could very well be worth it in the end. Pursuing the things you’re passionate about can promote your mental health.
• Take medication if it’s right for you — Medication might help toward managing your depression and make it easier for you to get back to what you love. However, it’s not the solution for everyone. Make sure to talk with a trusted professional before deciding on medication.

Lightfully wants to help you find your passion even in the midst of your depression

Our mission at Lightfully is to work with adults and teens to change their life compassionately. We strive to provide high-quality mental health care to various types of clients through a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. Lightfully offers various layers of service to both adults and teens: residential treatment, Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We routinely see clients who actively manage mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and trauma disorders. If you have depression and feel like you’ve lost interest in your old passions or haven’t been able to develop a new passion, we’d like to help you. Our therapists have extensive experience in helping clients manage the symptoms of their depression and know the value of finding your passion.

Our licensed, clinical experts see each client as a complex and layered human — not just a diagnosis. We value our clients as they are and hope to enrich their lives through treatment. Our vision for the future is an authentic and loving community where everyone can be seen, heard, and valued as they are. We believe in the light within each individual, and when that light is properly nurtured it can allow a person to shine brighter than ever before.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.