If you’re worried about an adolescent and aren’t sure what to do, you can take this advice from Fadi Haddad, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the author of Helping Kids in Crisis. To read more about adolescents, depression and anxiety, read on to see how you can fix this issue. Talk about the real stuff. Sometimes conversations between parents and teens can be all about achievements, schedules and chores. Go beyond that. Find out what keeps them up at night, and ask, what’s the best part of your day? Become attuned to their emotional world so that you understand what their dreams are, what they struggle with and how their life is going. Most importantly, give them space, but pay attention. Give teens space to grow and separate from you, but also watch for changes in behaviour. Are they giving up activities they used to enjoy? Are they staying up all night or eating differently? Is your outgoing kid now withdrawn? If you’re worried, say so. Show interest in their internal life without judgment. Try to resist getting angry. When parents learn a teen has been hiding something or is having behaviour issues, the response is often anger or punishment. Instead, see what’s going on. If a kid is acting out or doing things like self-harming, skipping school, respond with compassion first. Say, “It seems like you’re having trouble, I’m here to help. Tell me what’s happening with you.” Don’t put off getting help. If you’re worried about an adolescent, talk to a school counsellor, therapist or doctor. It’s better to get help early, rather than when trouble has firmly taken hold. Treat the whole family. When a kid is in crisis, many times it’s not enough to treat the child – you have to change the family dynamic. It’s possible that something about the home environment was causing the child stress, so be open to acknowledging that and getting family counselling if needed.