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“This is the only book you need if you are worried that your teenager is depressed. Dr. Gansner's approach is evidence based and relatable. She helps you understand adolescent depression and gives you a roadmap for navigating the massive amount of online mental health data. This is the first book to unpack the complexities of how the internet and social media are impacting depression in teens, both positively and negatively. For example, Dr. Gansner explains that the internet can help teens to better understand their depression, but can also encourage them to embrace inaccurate, even exotic self-diagnoses to feel more connected to online communities.”

—Jodi Gold, MD, author of Screen-Smart Parenting


“As a parent, it's intimidating to think about the pressures and threats my kids will face, some of which didn't exist when I was a teen. This book is an antidote to sensationalized media coverage of teen mental health—it's warm, funny, reassuring, and empowering. I appreciate the concrete examples and Dr. Gansner's honesty about what we do and don't know.”

—Ann T., Washington, D.C.


“There's a world of information online about adolescent depression, but distinguishing good advice from bad can be daunting. Expert guidance is here. Dr. Gansner provides trustworthy information and practical recommendations for how you can help your struggling teen.”

—Christopher R. Martell, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst


“This book is like having a fireside chat with a smart, friendly psychiatrist who deftly navigates knowledge about teen depression and weighs in on what's important. Dr. Gansner delves into diagnosis and treatment options, with takeaway summaries and lively stories throughout. As a researcher who has studied the impact of digital media on adolescents, Dr. Gansner is uniquely suited to guide parents through this perplexing and complicated topic.”

—Nancy Rappaport, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

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Table of Contents

Introduction

I. The Whats and Whys of Adolescent Depression

1. Getting to Know Depression: Definitions and Diagnosis

2. Understanding How Episodes of Depression Develop

II. The Treatment Landscape

3. Evaluating Your Teen’s Treatment Options

4. Making Lifestyle Changes: Sleep, Supplements, and Exercise

5. Starting Psychotherapy

6. Trying Medications

III. Risky Behaviors

7. Keeping Your Teen with Depression Safe

8. Managing Addictive, Impulsive, and Reward-Seeking Behavior

9. Tackling Irritability and Aggression

10. Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

11. Navigating Suicidal Thinking

IV. Stabilization and Recovery

12. Recognizing When Your Teen Needs a Higher Level of Care

13. Supporting Recovery and Moving Forward

Appendix. Templates for Plans to Keep Your Teen Safe

Bibliography

Index

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About the Author

Meredith E. Gansner, MD, is an attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Her award-winning research focuses on adolescent mental health and problematic digital media use. Dr. Gansner lives in the Boston area with her husband and two children.

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Audience

Parents seeking concrete guidance and support on screen time and teen mental health; also of interest to health care professionals.