Archibald D. Hart - Is Your Teen Stressed or Depressed?: A Practical and Inspirational Guide for Parents of Hurting Teenagers

I (Catherine) began writing this book nearly three years ago. After completing Unveiling Depression in Women with my dad, Dr. Archibald D. Hart, we received a great deal of feedback begging for a Judeo-Christian based book to help parents and counselors respond to the rising epidemics of stress and depression among teens, especially in girls. In my own practice as a counselor, I also noticed more teens needing therapy guidance through turbulent times of stress and depression. And so I set out to write.

However, God had a greater plan for this book. No sooner had I begun to write than my family and I went through our own turbulent journeyone that has become a living testimony of what the Lord intended for me to write. The result is a more comprehensive book than originally planned, written as both an experienced professional counselor in partnership with my fathers years of expertise on these topics and, equally as important, as a parent of teenage daughters. Although I counsel, write, and teach on stress, anxiety, and depression professionally, this resource comes to you fresh out of my personal crucible and empowered with the grace and comfort God has shown me.

I offer this guide as a beacon of encouragement and hope to those of you on a similar journey of parenting teens. Combining my own story with those of others, I pray you are inspired, encouraged, comforted, and filled with the hope of Gods mercy and love.

Is Your Teen Stressed or Depressed? is a practical guide for parents, and role models for teens who are struggling in life, in deep waters, or suffering through some form of pain. But this book is also for those wondering if their teen is going through normal growth pains and challenges, or if he is at risk for more serious problems of stress, anxiety, depression, and related challenges and needs professional help.

Parenting teens who are stressed, anxious, depressed, or experiencing other related emotional problems is a challenging, adventurous journey. They are hurting. They live in a confusing, secret world of pain. They are searching for their own ways to deal with their pain yet longing for adults to connect with, understand, love, and accept them. It is our God-given responsibility to provide the help and direction they need.

As a parent, you do everything possible to give your children the greatest protection and opportunity for their success in life. But despite your finest efforts to raise them, you will make mistakes. There is no way to predict when the challenges, twists, and turns on the way will occur. These suddenlys of life are always unforeseeable surprises.

When they come unexpectedly, it is easy to surrender to despair as you feel your precious children slipping through your fingers. They can become like strangers and break your heart. Dealing with the complexity and urgency of their survival can seem too much. But here is the truth: no matter how disappointing or overwhelming your situation may be, God is able to use each adversity as an opportunity to learn and grow. There is always hope when you look to God as your source of help and guidance. He offers hope when you are feeling desperate and needing answers and encouragement. And when your children feel they are out of control, you can become a hope giver to them.

Dont try to venture on this journey alone. You may need to call in professional help, and you will certainly need to surround yourself with support from family, friends, and others who can relate. Parenting kids who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other related challenges will demand that you become intentional in your perspective, focus, and parenting style. Your full attention will be required as you connect and become a safe place for healing and growth. Your character will be challenged, and your own growth will be mandatory. The ups and downs, disappointment, and deep emotional turmoil will necessitate extreme self-care and grueling endurance to the end. But the reward of your teens healthiness is worth every sacrifice.