Natural Solutions To Teenage Depression

The teenage years are a critical period of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but they can also bring emotional challenges that sometimes lead to depression. With rising rates of teenage depression, it’s essential to explore mental health solutions that are gentle and supportive. While pharmaceutical treatments are available, many people seek natural alternatives that can help restore emotional balance without harsh side effects.

Bach flower remedies are one such option. Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, these plant-based essences have long been used to encourage emotional wellbeing.

In this post, we'll explore how using custom Bach flower remedies for teenagers, alongside other natural strategies, can help them improve their emotional wellbeing with confidence and resilience.

What is the number one cause of depression? 

The number one cause of depression is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. However, for many people, stress is a major trigger. This can include chronic stress from work, relationships, or life events that cause ongoing emotional strain.

Signs and Symptoms of Teenage Depression

Recognising the signs of teenage depression early can allow for timely intervention and support. Here are some common indicators to be aware of.

Emotional signs 

Persistent sadness, irritability, feelings of hopelessness, or frequent mood swings. Teenagers may also express feelings of worthlessness or become more tearful and withdrawn.

Behavioural changes

Teenagers may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, withdraw socially, or experience a significant drop in academic performance. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping, are also common.

Physical symptoms

Fatigue, headaches, stomach aches, and changes in appetite (either loss or gain) are often linked to depression.

Risky behaviours

Engaging in self-harm, substance abuse, or reckless behaviour can be signs of deeper emotional distress. If these signs persist, it’s essential to seek professional help to assess and address a teenager’s mental health needs fully.

What Causes Poor Mental Health in Teenagers?

Several factors can influence adolescent depression, but key ones are:

Peer pressure and social comparison

Teenagers are often heavily influenced by their social circles and how they perceive themselves compared to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.

Family dynamics

Stressful home environments, parental conflict, or lack of support can significantly affect a teenager’s emotional health with an increase in social anxiety, fear of abandonment and rejection.

Academic pressure

The demands of schoolwork, exams, and future aspirations can overwhelm teenagers, contributing to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Social media and technology use

Constant exposure to social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, bullying, and a distorted sense of reality.

Lack of sleep

Teenagers often struggle with maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, which can negatively impact mental health.

Using Bach flower remedies to reduce teenage depression 

Several Bach flower remedies can provide teenagers with valuable support and aid in restoring emotional balance.

Let's explore seven of these remedies below.

At Mindful Remedies, you can craft your own personalised remedy, choosing up to 7 remedies in a bottle. If any of the remedies below resonate with you, click the buttons below each description to add them to your treatment bottle.

Agrimony:

Agrimony is the remedy for those who appear cheerful and carefree on the outside but struggle internally. Teenagers may mask their sadness or anxiety, using humour or distractions like social media, gaming, or constant socialising to avoid dealing with their deeper feelings.

They often fear burdening others with their troubles and may suppress emotional pain. Agrimony helps them to acknowledge and accept their true feelings, supporting them in finding inner peace and emotional honesty. It can benefit those who feel disconnected from themselves or fear vulnerability.

add to your remedy

Gentian:

Teenagers often face challenges that can make them lose faith in their abilities, whether academic failure, social rejection, or identity struggles. Gentian is ideal for those prone to discouragement and pessimism after minor or major setbacks. This remedy helps restore hope and determination, encouraging them to persevere through life’s difficulties.

This remedy helps cultivate a resilient mindset and see setbacks as temporary and surmountable rather than permanent personal failures. It is particularly beneficial for those who give up easily or view themselves negatively.

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Gorse:

When a teenager feels that nothing will ever improve, Gorse can offer a ray of hope. This remedy is for deep hopelessness, where the individual believes their situation is beyond repair.

They might say things like, “What’s the point?” or “It’ll never get better,” and refuse to engage in activities or therapies that could help. Gorse gently reignites a sense of purpose and possibility, helping them feel more open to life and the potential for change. Gorse supports a steady return to hope and optimism by encouraging them to escape despondency.

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Mustard:

Mustard is for those sudden, inexplicable bouts of sadness or melancholy that seem to come out of nowhere. A teenager might feel overwhelmed by an emotional fog, unable to explain why they feel so low.

This remedy helps to lift emotional weight, offering clarity and light to those who feel overshadowed by unexplained sadness. Mustard helps bring positivity and allows people to reconnect with joy, even when life circumstances haven’t remained unchanged.

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Sweet Chestnut:

Sweet Chestnut is for those moments when teenagers feel like they’ve reached rock bottom - when the emotional pain is so intense that they feel there’s no way out. This remedy is for those in deep crisis, often feeling completely alone, desperate, and overwhelmed by their circumstances.

They may feel they have exhausted all options and see no future ahead. Sweet Chestnut provides comfort and reassurance, reminding them that there is hope even in their darkest moments. It’s a remedy of profound transformation, helping teenagers find new strength and perspectives in times of great emotional turmoil.

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Wild Rose:

Wild Rose is for those who feel a sense of resignation or indifference toward life. They may seem disengaged, going through daily life without enthusiasm or interest. This may manifest as a lack of motivation at school, disinterest in hobbies, or a passive attitude toward their future.

Wild Rose helps reignite their passion for life, encouraging them to take an active role in their happiness. It gently nudges them out of emotional stagnation and helps them rediscover some lost vitality. It’s ideal for teenagers who feel emotionally numb or have given up on making positive changes in their lives.

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Willow:

Teenagers who struggle with feelings of unfairness, blame, or victimhood may benefit from Willow. They might frequently ask, “Why does this always happen to me?” or harbour resentment toward others for perceived slights.

Willow helps these individuals let go of bitterness and encourages them to take responsibility for their emotional wellbeing, allowing them to release grudges and negative thoughts.

Willow helps them shift from a self-pity mindset to empowerment, giving them the tools to rebuild their sense of control over their happiness.

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Walnut:

Adolescence is a time of rapid change, from puberty's physical transformations to emotional upheavals related to identity, relationships, and school pressures.

Walnut is the ideal remedy for teenagers dealing with these changes and feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions or circumstances. It provides emotional protection and stability during times of transition, such as adjusting to new schools, friendship groups, or family dynamics.

In particular, Walnut can be helpful for teenagers experiencing mood swings and emotional sensitivity due to hormonal changes. This remedy acts like an emotional buffer, helping them to remain centred and grounded during challenging times while also giving them the strength to embrace change with greater resilience.

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How teenagers can move forward with Bach flower remedies

It's important to remember that Bach flower remedies are selected based on an individual's specific emotional state and symptoms, and the combination is tailored to the individual.

Consulting with a Bach flower practitioner can help identify the most suitable remedies for a teenager's needs. Lucy Edwards is a Bach flower practitioner who offers online consultations via Zoom and then posts your remedy to you.

She can either work directly with your teenager or speak to a guardian or parents about the symptoms and provide a recommendation. You can book a consultation via the link below –

book an online consultation

Alternatively, you can create your remedy combination independently. You can do so via this website, choosing up to seven remedies in a personalised blend. You can create your blend via the link below -

create a personalised remedy

By incorporating Bach flower remedies into a teenager's holistic wellness routine, we can provide valuable emotional support during their journey to overcome depression. These gentle and natural flower remedies can complement other therapeutic interventions and contribute to a well-rounded approach to healing.

Other Natural Antidepressants for Teens

Beyond Bach flower remedies, several natural strategies can promote emotional resilience in teenagers.

Exercise

Physical activity helps release endorphins, improve mood, and reduce stress. Encouraging teenagers to engage in activities like sports, dancing, or simply going for walks can make a big difference.

Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats plays a vital role in mental health. Reducing processed foods and sugar can stabilise mood and energy levels.

Sleep

Establishing a healthy sleep routine is crucial. Encourage teenagers to get enough rest, aiming for 8–10 hours of sleep, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help teenagers manage stress and develop emotional awareness. 

Social Support

Encourage teenagers to stay connected with friends and family. Building a supportive network provides a space for emotional expression and companionship. 

What Is the Best Natural Antidepressant?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, regular exercise is often considered the best natural antidepressant. Studies show that physical activity helps boost mood by releasing endorphins and improving overall mental wellbeing. In combination with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and practices like mindfulness, exercise can be incredibly effective in managing depression naturally.

It's important to emphasise that while these natural strategies can be beneficial, they may not be sufficient for severe cases of teenage depression. It's crucial to involve healthcare professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, for comprehensive assessment and treatment when necessary.