Watch for Depression

When teens become depressed, there are far too critical of consequences. When they spend too much time alone, their minds start to play with the ideas of death and suicide. There is no reason for a teen to end his/ her life before it has even begun.

There are signs to look for that can help us to avoid this tragedy. While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people.

When teens are depressed, there are many results that may be imminent. First they might start to slip or struggle at school. They seem to not care and their grades start to fall. They even get to the point of cutting class to do other things. Substance abuse is also a result of depression. Teens will use drugs or alcohol as a means to self medicate themselves. Eating disorders can also be a result. Often times a teen will turn to violence or suicide as a way to cope with depression.

An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds. For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater.

If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, take action right away. Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. Even if you’re unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem. Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed - the sooner the better.

Seek out a professional therapist if the avenues that you are using now do not work. There are many therapists and group homes that deal with treating depressed or suicidal teens. Every child, young and old, is essential to the growth of our families, communities, states, and countries. To me, there is not anyone who is worthless, and everyone deserves to be happy.