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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Recognizing that managing depression is a lifelong challenge and helping him understand it. It was a marathon.

When they are in the midst of it, it can be incredibly difficult for them to access what they've learned. Building trust with them is critical so they have confidence (or at least compliance) with what you ask them to do: take medication consistently, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, mindfulness/meditation, volunteering, CBT.[/quote]

+1 I'll add - a willingness/ability to speak to you when they don't think the medication is working or they need a stronger dose.  My DS, now in college, has been on an SSRI since late ES (for anxiety).  His father also suffers from depression which he says first started in high school.  Having open conversations about mental health, being supportive without enabling and helping them implement appropriate coping strategies is key to long term management.  It's not easy nor is it fun.  It can also take a while to find what works for him.  My DH finds journaling/gratitude journels helpful.  Our DS does not.  He finds movement more effective where he can sort of 'leave behind' the weight of his thoughts.

CBT has also been effective in combination with medication (CBT alone wasn't very effective).  I learned CBT techniques as well and, frankly, they can help everyone, not just those in the midst of anxiety/depression.  I also make sure screen time has limits and that we find things to do together that we enjoy.  I've actually gotten DS to take an interest in the bird/hummingbird feeders!  He'd never admit it to his friends but it's a small moment of joy seeing an unusual bird or a hummingbird battle.[/quote]

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