It’s important for parents to have the ability to recognize the signs of teen depression. It’s normal for young people in this phase of life to feel unsure of themselves to have mood changes and to experience bouts of despair. However, if a teenager’s condition of mind interferes with his ability to work, then there is a cause for concern.
Reasons for suicide
Suicide is an important risk factor for young individuals that are dealing with depression. In reality, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals in this age range. There are many different reasons that teens may feel that suicide is the only method of solving their own problems. The break-up of a connection, family squabbles, bullying at school, low levels, substance abuse, or failure to connect with peers could be variables. This isn’t to suggest that each and every teenager who encounters these challenges will try to take her own life. Remember everyone is different and some young people have good coping skills and aren’t in danger.
Oftentimes, the child who attempts suicide can have a mental or psychological disorder in addition to a problem with substance abuse. In other cases, the individual may perceive her issues as being bigger than they actually are. Young men and women tend to forget that many of their problems are just temporary. To them, it seems like their struggles will last indefinitely. Their ideas become clouded and it’s difficult for them to find that things will get better. Substances that may increase the risk for suicide include narcotics, alcohol, and abuse of prescription medication.
Mental health problems
Mental health problems that can result in self loathing include depression, phobias and anxiety disorders. These circumstances may rob a young person of his self respect and make it more difficult to deal with challenges. They may see suicide as a means to end their problems. Yet they often don’t recognize that this is a permanent solution that could hurt lots of individuals. This is why it’s so important for parents to understand the different between typical adolescent mood changes and real depression.
Currently, only a tiny proportion of depressed youth are receiving the help they need to work through their issues. Some warning signs to watch out for include withdrawing from family and friends, lack of motivation, substance abuse, ideas or obsession with death, changes in sleeping or eating habits, or regular bouts of crying. Other signs include anger, hostility, feelings of hopelessness, and lack of energy. A teenager who displays at least two of those symptoms for an extend period of time ought to be observed by a physician.