Almost 60% of teen girls feel sad or hopeless

Last week, the CDC report stated that almost 60% of high school girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021.

This is a terrifying and heart-breaking statistic.

My clients ask me, “How can I tell if my daughter is depressed or anxious?”

In addition to common warning signs you can find online, I want to offer this:

You make connecting with her your top priority.

Here are ways you can connect:

Discuss the report with her after you’ve calmed your own fears.

Ask her what she thinks about it and how she feels.

Has she observed sadness and loneliness among her friends?

What does she think and feel about that?

Let her know she can always come talk to you and share her thoughts and feelings.

You will listen and be supportive.

You will not judge, shame, punish, or be disappointed in her.

If she is experiencing sadness or hopelessness, nothing is wrong with her.

You are there to support her and get her the help she needs.

Tell her you love her and want to spend time with her.

Have her choose an activity you can do together.

And then try getting curious again.

Ask her how she thinks her phone and the apps she uses might contribute to feeling sad or hopeless.

Share that loneliness occurs from lack of connection to other human beings.

We need that connection to feel good. 

Talk about your own experiences of sadness or loneliness and what you did to help yourself.

Having these conversations can be uncomfortable. 

Being vulnerable can be hard.

But don’t give up on her.

She needs you now more than ever.

♥️ Jeanine 

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. 

P.S. If you would like my help, book a complimentary call.