I'm worried about my daughter. She's been depressed ever since her boyfriend broke up with her about a month ago.
- Stacey

Recovering from a breakup isn't easy for anyone. Some people just seem to take more time to mend their broken hearts. There may be some things you can encourage your daughter to do to speed the process, such as sharing her feelings with close friends or family members and taking good care of herself physically. Getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, exercising, and staying involved in a variety of activities can help combat sadness and boost self-esteem.

Sometimes, though, the feeling of sadness may linger too long and interfere with life. Talking to a mental health professional, like a therapist, can help teens sort through their feelings and begin the healing process.

Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: January 2013