Depression in teenagers could be provoked by a number of factors, which vary from teenager to teenager. Certain momentous situations may result this disease such as death of someone close, separation of parents, shifting in to a new neighborhood and problems in relations, such as breaking up with lovers.
The Factors That Prompts Depression
Other aspects that could result in depression in the adolescent is lack of attention from the loved ones, cases of being abused or bullied in the past, damage to the morale or rapid and subsequent events occurring. Any major event that causes disturbance to a teenager could trigger depression later.
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One of the greatest, but too often unspoken, dangers of teen drug use and addiction is the high risk of suicide that tends to accompany it. Teens who use drugs regularly are more likely to consider suicide as well as to act upon their thoughts. According to the American Psychiatric Association, many teens suffer from depression. In many cases, teens will often “self-medicate” with drugs in order to avoid exposing themselves and their problems to adults. The use of drugs does not alleviate the problems, but instead, usually aggravate them, leaving the teen with a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. This places them at greater risk for suicide attempts. Drug use and dependency clouds judgment, and lowers the teen’s natural survival instinct. Full Story »
Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South America. In fact, only car accidents and homicides (murders) kill more people between the ages of 18 and 30, making suicide the third leading cause of death in teens and overall in youths ages 14 to 22 years old.
Thinking About Suicide It’s common for teens to think about death to some degree. Teens’ thinking capabilities have matured in a way that allows them to think more deeply – about their existence in the world, the meaning of life, and other profound questions and ideas. Full Story »
In recent years, suicides among adolescents have increased dramatically. Each year thousands of teenagers commit suicide in the U.S. In fact, it is the third leading cause of death for kids, aged 15-to-24-years old, and the sixth leading cause of death for those who are 5-to-14-years old.
Think about your teen. After all, he or she is likely to experience the same strong feelings of anxiety, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, depression and other stresses that most adolescents suffer at some time while growing up.
For example, divorce, the onset of a blended family with the invasion of step-parents and step-siblings that accompany it or the move to a new neighborhood can be very unsettling and can intensify a teens worries. In your teenagers eyes, at times, suicide may appear to be the most viable solution to his or her problems.
It is important to remember that depression and suicidal feelings are treatable in either teens or adults. Your child or teenager, in particular, deserves to have his or her dysfunction recognized, diagnosed and appropriately treated. If you are ever in doubt whether your child has a serious problem, call a clinical psychologist for an evaluation.
The symptoms of suicidal thinking are similar to those of depression. Become aware of the following red flags that can signal that your teenager may be contemplating suicide:
Noticeable change in his or her eating or sleeping habits,
Withdrawal from friends, family members or routine activities,
Aggressive or violent behavior, rebelliousness, running away or threats to do so,
Drug or alcohol use that is illegal, abusive or interferes with your kids functioning,
Your teens unusual neglect of his or her personal appearance; poor grooming,
A personality change that is seriously detrimental,
Manifestations of persistent boredom, concentration problems or a marked deterioration in the quality of his or her schoolwork,
Frequent complaints about stress-based physical symptoms, including stomachaches, headaches, backaches, or fatigue.
A troubling withdrawal from pleasurable activities,
Your teens angry and persistent dismissal of your praise or rewards.
If your teenager is contemplating suicide he or she may also:
Complain to you about being a bad person or about feeling guilty or rotten inside,
Provide verbal hints, such as: I won’t be a pain for you much longer, Nothing really matters anyway, Nothing helps, Nothing is important etc.
If you notice he or she putting his or her affairs in order, for example, giving away favorite possessions or throwing away important belongings, or,
Your teens becoming suddenly cheerful for no apparent reason after a period of depression, or if he or she says things like, I want to kill myself, or I am thinking that suicide is the best way out.
It is important to always take such statements seriously and to seek an evaluation from a clinical psychologist or other mental health professional. It is true that people often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking your teenager whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide is often helpful and fulfills your due diligence as a parent.
Do not worry; you will not put destructive thoughts in your kids head. Instead, such questions often provide assurance that you care and will give your youngster the important opportunity to discuss his problems, rather than act them out.
If any of the red flags discussed previously occur, talk to your child about them and seek professional help if they persist. With the expert treatment of a clinical psychologist, children and teenagers who are initially suicidal can heal and return to their all-important path of normal development.
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