Depression

Does my child suffer from depression?

Although depression is a severe illness, treatment is available. A depression is far more than an off-day or “the blues”. Teenagers and young adults suffering from depression often feel isolated, lonely and misunderstood. Usually, they will show signs of neglect at school, home, or at the sports club. Some may even resort to alcohol, drugs or pornography. Each child is different and will display other symptoms at various times in different settings. It is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with both depression and an anxiety disorder or depression and general anxiety. About half of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of depression:

Do you think your child might have or develop depression? Get to know the symptoms first.

• Vocal outbursts or crying
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or anger
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Changes in appetite — either increased or decreased
• Changes in sleep — sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Physical complaints (such as stomach-aches, headaches)
• Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, at extracurricular activities or in other hobbies or interests
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Impaired thinking or concentration
• Thoughts of death or suicide

What causes depression?

Depression can have several causes. Some young people or young adults have a predisposition to depression. Adverse events in the past (for example, sexual abuse or psychological abuse) or unwanted social events (bullying or exclusion) can also be the cause of depression.

Treatment of depression

We specialise in dealing with multiple problems (co-morbidity) at Yes We Can Youth Clinics. Our intensive treatment programme helps young people overcome depression and the other issues they face so that they can look forward to a bright, new future. Warmth, sincere attention and involvement are central to our approach.

Focused individual sessions

Each fellow at Yes We Can engages in a structured therapy regimen comprising three individual sessions weekly with a licensed clinical psychologist and several appointments with our psychiatric professionals. These interactions are fundamental in assessing therapeutic advancement, tailoring treatment modalities, and delivering unwavering, specialised counsel. This personalised treatment trajectory is integral to our all-encompassing care strategy, designed to cater to the unique rehabilitation needs of each fellow within a caring, empathetic environment.

Therapeutic benefits of physical activities

Our treatment philosophy emphasises the role of physical exercise in supporting mental health recovery. Engaging in daily sports and activities not only aids physical health but also complements the emotional and psychological healing process. Through targeted individual therapy, including cognitive and dialogue-based methods, fellows learn vital skills for managing and overcoming trauma, encapsulating a holistic approach to recovery.

Unity and understanding through group therapy

Group therapy at Yes We Can serves as a sanctuary for fellows to voice their experiences and gain insights from peers, fostering a powerful sense of belonging and mutual recognition. The sessions are spearheaded by expert-by-experience counsellors who have navigated similar paths of adversity, offering authenticity and profound empathy. This collective journey underscores a vital message: no fellow is alone, reinforcing their commitment to the therapeutic process.

Family’s Role in the Healing Process

Recognising the crucial role of family support in long-term recovery, Yes We Can offers a tailored program for parents and guardians. This initiative provides families with essential skills for creating a supportive environment, crucial for preventing relapse and reinforcing recovery efforts. This joint approach ensures a continuum of care that extends beyond our clinic’s boundaries, promoting enduring wellness.

Depression and medication

The young people may already be taking medication before they come to our clinic. For instance, anti-depressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), may have previously been prescribed for certain types of eating disorders. However, Yes We Can Youth Clinics aims to treat 'the real person' instead of the person under medication.

Responsible phasing out

We try to reduce any medication the person is taking to zero or as little as possible. This is done responsibly, under the watchful eye of our registered psychiatrists. The safe treatment climate at Yes We Can Youth Clinics, the positive environment and the entire treatment team that is present 24/7 to motivate, support and confront the young people, where necessary, all ensure that the withdrawal or discontinuation of medication is usually successful. After they have left the clinic, these young people are often able to cope with much less medication or even none at all.

Contact us

Yes We Can Youth Clinics can effectively treat teenagers and young adults who are suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues. If you have any questions at all, you can always contact us. We cannot stress enough that we are always there for you, whether you sign up for treatment in our clinic or not. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help. 

You can reach us by phone from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (GMT +1) via phone number: +31 (0)85 02 01 222. Your call will be forwarded after business hours (on weekdays after 6:00 p.m. and on the weekends). Please note that it might take longer than usual to answer your call. If we cannot answer the call immediately, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as possible. You can also fill out our contact form.