Depression will not go away on its own. Left untreated, depression can be very damaging and can result in suicidal ideation. If you suspect that your teen is depressed, it’s important to open up a dialogue in an honest and non-judgmental way. You want to convey to your teen that you are there to help, no matter the triggers beneath the depression.

Listen more than you talk: Judging, criticizing, and/or trying to fix the “problem” with an endless list of practical solutions will only push your teen away. Depression is not a problem to be solved; it is a disease to be healed. One of the best things you can do is listen to your teen and provide emotional support.

Don’t minimize: Your teen’s problems feel overwhelming to your teen. Resist the urge to gloss over troubling situations or say things like, “This will seem like no big deal when you’re older.” Meet your teen where he is today and acknowledge his feelings and stressors.

Be persistent: If your teen is accustomed to hiding her emotions and problems, she might not open up during the first conversation. Talking about depression isn’t a one-time conversation. In fact, it can feel very overwhelming. Keep the door open and be present and available.

Trust your instincts: If your teen denies a depressed mood but your instinct tells you that something isn’t right, talk to your teen about getting additional support. The important thing is for your teen to have a trusted source to talk to during this time, and professional help can bridge the communication gap.

it is important to have a good relationship with these young ones.
it is only those that have an existing good relationship with them that they can open up to.
if you are trying to build that relationship at that point when they are already troubled & depressed, they won't open up.

so this task begins from when they are full of life and joy