Text Box: HOW TO HELP!!!
Text Box: Consider the following
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If you suspect your child to be depressed, DON'T YELL AT THEM AND BLAME THEM FOR IT. It will make them feel like a failure and you will probably "lose" your child.

· It’s all in your head.

· We all go through times like these.

· You’ll be fine. Stop worrying.

· Look on the bright side.

· You have so much to live for; why do you want to die?

· I can’t do anything about your situation.

· Just snap out of it.

· Stop acting crazy.

· What’s wrong with you?

Shouldn't you be better by now?

Text Box: THINGS NOT TO SAY!
When confronting said teen it is important that you DO NOT SAY THE FOLLOWING!!!

DO NOT wait for your teen to approach you.

Understanding Depression:
For Teens by Teens

The thing going on in a depressed teens mind is that you won't listen to them if they'd open up. You have to let them know that you are there and that you can listen to them. If your teen denies depression just trust you're gut. Denial is ones first reaction and Teens would deny depression so it's only natural that they would deny it. Don't stress about it. But if that's the case then seek professional help. You and your teen are not eligible to determine whether or not someone is depressed.

Offer support
Let depressed teenagers know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

Be gentle but persistent
Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.

Listen without lecturing
Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.

Validate feelings
Don’t try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don’t, they will feel like you don’t take their emotions seriously.

Text Box: ~TIPS FOR TALKING TO A DEPRESSED TEEN~
Text Box: Consider the following
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DON'T Talk to you're teen in front of guest. It’s common sense. It's going to embarrass them to death and that’s not what you're going for... 
Text Box: Links to help: 
Let’s face it, we’re just four teens. We aren’t the best at helping out people like you or your teen. Here are some sites that might help you out better than we ever could:

http://www.have-a-heart.com/help-a-friend.html
http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/related/support.asp
http://www.wingofmadness.com/index.php/Articles/For-Teenagers-with-Depression.html