Some of the things that you can do to alleviate depression is to first identify it. And what I like to do with kids. And I think adults, too, is to have them scan from the top of their head, head all the way down to their toes, because a lot of times they’ll say, Well, how are you feeling? And people will be like, I don’t know, I don’t know. And it’s hard to identify.

But I have them scanned. And then I have them notice if they feel any tension or any feelings like stomach problems or any tension in their shoulders. And then we’ll focus on that. What do you think that tension is from? And then maybe we do some self talk.

So maybe they’ll say, Well, I feel tense because I had to come and see you today. I don’t know you. I’m nervous. I’m like, okay, that makes sense. Any other reason you’re feeling that tension?

And then they might say, Well, I’ve been really sad. My family is struggling right now, and I haven’t been able to go to school because of the covet, and I feel lonely and I’m isolated. And then we’ll focus on that. And I’ll validate that. And then we’ll talk about maybe what they can do to try to alleviate some of that tension in their shoulders and those feelings of loneliness.

And I think it’s important to remember that not everybody is going to seek counseling. So maybe reaching out to the resources they have currently, like their parents or a teacher or a community member or a pastor or even a best friend, that can be really helpful. Counselors don’t have to necessarily be trained and be official. You’ve have a lot of counselors all around you in your life.