Unlike children, adults with new mental illnesses are accustomed to functioning independently. There many be limits to how much involvement Mom or Dad will allow you to have.

Get your own anxiety under control.

When your child is hurting, especially when he has a problem that is hard to comprehend, you might get worried and overwhelmed. Take care of yourself and deal with your own anxiety. A nervous parent won’t be as helpful as a calm one.

Psychologically, depression is guided by inner beliefs that get shaped during key periods of development. 
Socially, depression becomes intertwined with social roles. 
Spiritually, depression is affected by a sense of meaning and purpose in the world. 

1.     Lighten up.

Laughter is often the best medicine for the high school years. One of the best strategies for de-stressing the whole family is to try not to take everything too seriously. Laugh with your teen, and have fun.