how commom is teenage depression in boys? what can be done when they won't talk?

Answer 1

Men who don't express themselves verbally were at one times teenage boys. Agreeably it is difficult to get them to talk but not impossible. If the boy is often criticized for his feelings and opinions then he will clam up fast and sure not trusting that talking will get him anywhere. The key thing is to keep engaging him in conversation. Ask questions that can't be answered with a yes or no answer. Say positive things such as I like how you did this etc...
Our oldest child suffered his first heartbreak and we thought we would never see him back to his ole' self. Listening to music etc...
It took nearly 2 months of keeping him busy in activities and talking to him about anything and everything and at the same time letting him know that his feelings were valid. The important thing is NOT to give up. If he is depressed and is giving up on himself he doesn't need those who love him to do so as well.
If necessary, offer to get him a neutral, unbiased 3rd party to speak with such as a counselor.
Although, it is a difficult and trying situation you must persevere. Realize that they all go through this. High School isn't as easy as it was in our day. There is tons of pressure to succeed and fit in and often the benefits of yielding to peer pressure overrides their ability to reason. If not, then it can leave them feeling depressed when they make the right decisions. Sometimes something as simple as new shoes or clothing can make them happy as with girls. Just keep trying everything until this passes.

Make sure you have the direct talk with him and eliminate the possibilities that he is not being bullied in school with shoving and teasing or threats from so called 'popular jocks or others'. Ask the tough questions with regards to molestation.
Bullying and a feeling of powerlessness can contribute to depression. If he is being bullied ; don't hesitate to intervene and do whatever is necessary to protect your child. He has a right to a learning enviroment w/o fear of threats. Good Luck and Hang in there!

Answer 2

I think depression is very commom in boys as well as girls. Boys are different. To me it's sadder to see it in a boy then it is a girl. Most girls will talk to you or someone. As a boy he won't. He holds it in, alot longer.I seen my son go though it. He wouldn't talk at all. Not even to a psychiatrist.A psychiatrist being a psychiatrist maybe he needs to be on meds. I knew I wasn't going to do that. Those depression meds. can make a teenager worse, in now they show high sidusite rate. What I did was everyday I knowledge him I let him know that he was there.Sometimes it would be a question like if you were the controller of are city we live in what would you do. Or we can be looking the discovery ch.It could be about storms and we talk about it. You have to find a way to get into them. There not going to talk about there problems, not just yet, talking about somethings is good everyday. It's like chipping at a iceberg.And when your boy walks by you, for example say your crossing him in the hallway or kitchen tap him on his shoulder in keep walking, that's letting him know you knowledge him. Its something that has to be done everyday. Hopefully they will come out of there depression.

Answer 3

Hi it is more common than you think .. my boy has been diagnosed and it is a battle .I have learnt not to talk to him in depth in the house and i make time for him where we go out on our own and have fun even though he wont admit it .I have let him know i am always there if he wishes to talk and i have found some fab books online which he reads .Dont make it an issue as he will think it is an issue just be supportive as i am sure you are and make a little extra fuss he will apprechiate it

Answer 4

I think it's fairly common. I suggest that you mention this to his pediatrician and see if he can be referred to a counselor or a teen mentor/peer counselor. I think that depression is so often overlooked, and people are so afraid of saying anything, that loved ones often go without the help they need. He's your son, tell him how much you love him and ASK him how he feels. Ask him whether he's depressed and feeling sort of hopeless. Sometimes it helps to share what you went through as a teen.