The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Teen depression can make simple tasks like showering, getting out of bed, or eating feel like an insurmountable task. Waking up in the morning can feel like a chore, making many teens stay in bed all day. Struggling to get out of bed can be a symptom of internal struggles caused bydepression in teens. As a parent or guardian, you may wonder how to get a depressed teenager out of bed. Let’s get a better understanding of this problem.
If you are looking for immediate help,contact Nexus Teen Academy now. We can help with your son or daughter’s situation.
Why Depression Makes It Hard for Teens to Get Out of Bed
Teens with depression can find it challenging to get out of bed. Depression causes teenagers to experience overwhelming sadness. They feel hopeless and lack the motivation to do anything. As a result, they may find it difficult to clean, bathe, or get out of bed. The following are the reasons why your teen may rot in bed:
The Emotional and Physical Weight of Depression
Depression can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. For instance, depression causes teens to experience a severe lack of motivation. Ordinarily, teens can motivate themselves when they do not want to get out of bed. However, depression makes it hard for them to find motivation. They do not see the point of getting out of bed. The overwhelming feeling of sadness and fatigue weighs them down. They also feel like they need to rest more than usual because they are emotionally and physically fatigued.
Additionally, overwhelming sadness can make every interaction feel exhausting. This prevents teens from looking forward to spending time with family or friends. They also struggle to find the energy to go to schoolor eat. As a result, they find it easier to stay in bed all day rather than interact with others or do any chores.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Your teen may also struggle to get out of bed because of disrupted circadian rhythms. Depression can make it hard for teenagers to fall asleep. They stay up all night worrying about their life. This disrupts the circadian rhythm, meaning your teen’s internal clock is out of sync with the environment. They begin sleeping more during the day than at night. Since your teen barely sleeps at night, they may struggle to get out of bed when you wake them up.
What Not to Do When Your Teen Won’t Get Out of Bed
Many parents make mistakes when dealing with a depressed teen. As a parent or guardian, you need to be sensitive to your teen’s situation. As a result, you need to avoid the following as they can worsen your teen’s depression:
Avoiding Shame or Criticism
Shaming your teen for staying in bed all day can be damaging. It lowers their mood and reinforces their negative thoughts. When your teen feels hopeless, telling them they are lazy only worsens the situation. It deepens the problem and prevents them from acknowledging that they have a problem.
Teenagers with depression also experience a lot of guilt. They feel like a burden to their families or friends. As a parent or guardian, you should avoid criticizing their actions. While their actions may not make sense, they should not be invalidated. Criticizing your teen increases their sense of shame and guilt, worsening their mental health.
Don’t Overcompensate or Enable
If your teen struggles to get out of bed, avoid overcompensating and enabling their behavior. Although it can seem like the safe thing to do, allowing them to forego their obligations can make their situation worse. You should ensure your teen understands their responsibilities at home or school. Be firm and explain to them what is expected of them. Do not allow them to skip all their obligations. Even if they do not do everything on the list, achieving a small portion of their chores can help them overcome their lack of motivation.
Practical Strategies to Help a Depressed Teen Get Out of Bed
Some strategies parents can use to help depressed teens get out of bed include the following:
Start with Empathy and Gentle Encouragement
Empathy and understanding can go a long way in helping your teen get out of bed. Empathy establishes trust, which can improve your teen’s mental health outcomes. Depressed teenagers respond better to empathy than criticism. Criticism reinforces negative thought patterns that worsen a teen’s mental health. On the other hand, being empathetic and gently encouraging your teen improves their outlook on life. All of a sudden, life does not look that bad. As a parent or guardian, you should gently encourage your teen to get out of bed. Offer them emotional support and use positive reinforcement. These methods can do wonders for your teen’s mental health.
Create a Small, Achievable Morning Routine
Depressed teenagers feel that everyday tasks are impossible. Creating small and achievable routines can help make the tasks less daunting. Instead of expecting your teen to clean their entire room, ask them to tidy up a small portion. Think of it as encouraging your teen to put one foot in front of the other. Doing this will help them feel motivated to get out of bed. A routine gives them a sense of accomplishment, encouraging them to get out of bed.
Use Environmental Cues and Natural Light
Environmental cues like natural light can help your teen get out of a mental health slump. Teens who struggle to get out of bed often close their windows and leave their curtains drawn throughout the day. To help them get out of bed, open their windows and curtains to let in natural light and fresh air. Natural light can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which improves mood. As a result, your teen will be in a better mood and more likely to get out of bed.
Use Time Anchors and Transitional Support
A structured environment can help your teen overcome the urge to stay in bed all day. For instance, you can use time anchors to get them out of bed. This involves suggesting an activity that is time-anchored. An example would be a statement, “Let us brush our teeth together at 9 a.m.” This statement encourages your teen to get out of bed by 9 a.m. so that they can brush their teeth. As a parent or guardian, you should encourage collaborative tasks, enabling your teen to get out of bed. Feeling supported can help them overcome depression.
Validate Progress, Not Perfection
Praise your teen’s efforts. Instead of expecting perfect results, validate their progress. Getting out of bed can be a daunting task. If you find that your teen has sat up, that is progress. Statements like “I noticed you sat up today; that is huge!” validate their progress. Baby steps show that your teen is willing to overcome their depressive symptoms.
Offer Choice and Autonomy
Choices that give your teen autonomy can help them feel better about themselves. Let your teen decide between different options. For example, ask them whether they would rather have breakfast now or after showering. Both options require them to get out of bed. As such, your teen will choose an option that works best for them.
Options help reduce resistance. When your teen feels in control, they are less likely to resist suggestions. If your teen resists your attempts, give them full control over the situation. Do not push too hard because it can destroy all their progress.
Depression Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Depression is a common but treatable mental health condition. At Nexus Teen Academy, we specialize in treating teenagers struggling with various mental health conditions. We offer high-quality treatment designed to help teens overcome their mental health struggles. We equip them with skills that can help them get out of bed. Our teen treatment approaches teach them to restructure their negative thought patterns, practice mindfulness, and use other coping strategies. These strategies can help them overcome depressive symptoms.
Our specialized programs aim to help depressed teens overcome their mental health struggles.Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I physically try to get my teen out of bed?
Forcing your teen out of bed will do more harm than good. Although it will get them moving, it can damage the trust you have built. It will also make your teen more resistant to your suggestions and reinforce their sense of shame. As a parent or guardian, be gentle and supportive when getting your teen out of bed.
What is the best therapy for teens who are too tired or unmotivated?
Motivational Interviewing can help teens tap into their intrinsic motivation, resolve ambivalence, and improve their mood. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help teens overcome negative thinking patterns and find motivation to get out of bed.
How do I take care of myself while supporting my depressed teen?
As a parent or guardian, you should take care of yourself as you support your depressed teen. The following are some strategies you can use to take care of your mental health:
Talk about your feelings and avoid bottling up your emotions. When you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, talk to supportive family members or friends. This will help you manage your feelings.
Treat yourself once in a while. When you feel overwhelmed, engage in activities that you enjoy. Take a mental health break and treat yourself to a nice dinner.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
How to Get a Depressed Teenager Out of Bed
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On October 17, 2025
Table of Contents
Teen depression can make simple tasks like showering, getting out of bed, or eating feel like an insurmountable task. Waking up in the morning can feel like a chore, making many teens stay in bed all day. Struggling to get out of bed can be a symptom of internal struggles caused by depression in teens. As a parent or guardian, you may wonder how to get a depressed teenager out of bed. Let’s get a better understanding of this problem.
If you are looking for immediate help, contact Nexus Teen Academy now. We can help with your son or daughter’s situation.
Why Depression Makes It Hard for Teens to Get Out of Bed
Teens with depression can find it challenging to get out of bed. Depression causes teenagers to experience overwhelming sadness. They feel hopeless and lack the motivation to do anything. As a result, they may find it difficult to clean, bathe, or get out of bed. The following are the reasons why your teen may rot in bed:
The Emotional and Physical Weight of Depression
Depression can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. For instance, depression causes teens to experience a severe lack of motivation. Ordinarily, teens can motivate themselves when they do not want to get out of bed. However, depression makes it hard for them to find motivation. They do not see the point of getting out of bed. The overwhelming feeling of sadness and fatigue weighs them down. They also feel like they need to rest more than usual because they are emotionally and physically fatigued.
Additionally, overwhelming sadness can make every interaction feel exhausting. This prevents teens from looking forward to spending time with family or friends. They also struggle to find the energy to go to school or eat. As a result, they find it easier to stay in bed all day rather than interact with others or do any chores.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Your teen may also struggle to get out of bed because of disrupted circadian rhythms. Depression can make it hard for teenagers to fall asleep. They stay up all night worrying about their life. This disrupts the circadian rhythm, meaning your teen’s internal clock is out of sync with the environment. They begin sleeping more during the day than at night. Since your teen barely sleeps at night, they may struggle to get out of bed when you wake them up.
What Not to Do When Your Teen Won’t Get Out of Bed
Many parents make mistakes when dealing with a depressed teen. As a parent or guardian, you need to be sensitive to your teen’s situation. As a result, you need to avoid the following as they can worsen your teen’s depression:
Avoiding Shame or Criticism
Shaming your teen for staying in bed all day can be damaging. It lowers their mood and reinforces their negative thoughts. When your teen feels hopeless, telling them they are lazy only worsens the situation. It deepens the problem and prevents them from acknowledging that they have a problem.
Teenagers with depression also experience a lot of guilt. They feel like a burden to their families or friends. As a parent or guardian, you should avoid criticizing their actions. While their actions may not make sense, they should not be invalidated. Criticizing your teen increases their sense of shame and guilt, worsening their mental health.
Don’t Overcompensate or Enable
If your teen struggles to get out of bed, avoid overcompensating and enabling their behavior. Although it can seem like the safe thing to do, allowing them to forego their obligations can make their situation worse. You should ensure your teen understands their responsibilities at home or school. Be firm and explain to them what is expected of them. Do not allow them to skip all their obligations. Even if they do not do everything on the list, achieving a small portion of their chores can help them overcome their lack of motivation.
Practical Strategies to Help a Depressed Teen Get Out of Bed
Some strategies parents can use to help depressed teens get out of bed include the following:
Start with Empathy and Gentle Encouragement
Empathy and understanding can go a long way in helping your teen get out of bed. Empathy establishes trust, which can improve your teen’s mental health outcomes. Depressed teenagers respond better to empathy than criticism. Criticism reinforces negative thought patterns that worsen a teen’s mental health. On the other hand, being empathetic and gently encouraging your teen improves their outlook on life. All of a sudden, life does not look that bad. As a parent or guardian, you should gently encourage your teen to get out of bed. Offer them emotional support and use positive reinforcement. These methods can do wonders for your teen’s mental health.
Create a Small, Achievable Morning Routine
Depressed teenagers feel that everyday tasks are impossible. Creating small and achievable routines can help make the tasks less daunting. Instead of expecting your teen to clean their entire room, ask them to tidy up a small portion. Think of it as encouraging your teen to put one foot in front of the other. Doing this will help them feel motivated to get out of bed. A routine gives them a sense of accomplishment, encouraging them to get out of bed.
Use Environmental Cues and Natural Light
Environmental cues like natural light can help your teen get out of a mental health slump. Teens who struggle to get out of bed often close their windows and leave their curtains drawn throughout the day. To help them get out of bed, open their windows and curtains to let in natural light and fresh air. Natural light can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which improves mood. As a result, your teen will be in a better mood and more likely to get out of bed.
Use Time Anchors and Transitional Support
A structured environment can help your teen overcome the urge to stay in bed all day. For instance, you can use time anchors to get them out of bed. This involves suggesting an activity that is time-anchored. An example would be a statement, “Let us brush our teeth together at 9 a.m.” This statement encourages your teen to get out of bed by 9 a.m. so that they can brush their teeth. As a parent or guardian, you should encourage collaborative tasks, enabling your teen to get out of bed. Feeling supported can help them overcome depression.
Validate Progress, Not Perfection
Praise your teen’s efforts. Instead of expecting perfect results, validate their progress. Getting out of bed can be a daunting task. If you find that your teen has sat up, that is progress. Statements like “I noticed you sat up today; that is huge!” validate their progress. Baby steps show that your teen is willing to overcome their depressive symptoms.
Offer Choice and Autonomy
Choices that give your teen autonomy can help them feel better about themselves. Let your teen decide between different options. For example, ask them whether they would rather have breakfast now or after showering. Both options require them to get out of bed. As such, your teen will choose an option that works best for them.
Options help reduce resistance. When your teen feels in control, they are less likely to resist suggestions. If your teen resists your attempts, give them full control over the situation. Do not push too hard because it can destroy all their progress.
Depression Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Depression is a common but treatable mental health condition. At Nexus Teen Academy, we specialize in treating teenagers struggling with various mental health conditions. We offer high-quality treatment designed to help teens overcome their mental health struggles. We equip them with skills that can help them get out of bed. Our teen treatment approaches teach them to restructure their negative thought patterns, practice mindfulness, and use other coping strategies. These strategies can help them overcome depressive symptoms.
Our specialized programs aim to help depressed teens overcome their mental health struggles. Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Forcing your teen out of bed will do more harm than good. Although it will get them moving, it can damage the trust you have built. It will also make your teen more resistant to your suggestions and reinforce their sense of shame. As a parent or guardian, be gentle and supportive when getting your teen out of bed.
Motivational Interviewing can help teens tap into their intrinsic motivation, resolve ambivalence, and improve their mood. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help teens overcome negative thinking patterns and find motivation to get out of bed.
As a parent or guardian, you should take care of yourself as you support your depressed teen. The following are some strategies you can use to take care of your mental health: