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The teens are years of turmoil for just about everyone. Teenagers are learning new social roles, developing new relationships, getting used to the changes in their bodies, making decisions about their future. And when they look for answers to problems, it seems like no one has them. That can make a person feel pretty much alone. So when a particularly hard challenge comes along -- facing friends after what feels like a public humiliation, doing poorly on a school exam, watching parents divorce or separate -- a teen might begin to feel depressed and to wonder if life is worth living. A teenager might need some extra support to hold on. If they are depressed, encourage them to talk it over with someone -- a close friend, a school counselor, a minister or rabbi, or a mental health professional-- because suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Depression is a very common illness, even among teenagers. Their health and grades can be hurt. Worse, people with depression have a high risk for suicide. Half of those who suffer one episode of serious depression will have another one. But with adequate treatment, 80 to 90 percent of all depressed people begin to get better within about a month. Everyone has normal mood swings in which he or she occasionally feels down in the dumps, sad or unhappy. But when that depressed mood lingers for more than two weeks, serious depression could be setting in. That is dangerous, because 15 percent of people who suffer severe depression kill themselves. What to Look for If a teenager you know has expressed two or more of the following feelings, he or she probably should find help. Warnings may include:
Adolescents who consider suicide generally feel alone, hopeless and rejected. They are more vulnerable to having these feelings if they have been abused, feel they have been recently humiliated in front of family or friends, have parents with alcohol or drug problems, or have a family life with parental discord, disruptions, separation or divorce. However, a teenager may be depressed and/or suicidal without any of these. Many teens who abuse alcohol or drugs are likely to consider, attempt or succeed at suicide. Teenagers who are planning to commit suicide might clean house by giving away favorite possessions, cleaning their rooms, or throwing things away. They may also become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression, because they think they have found the solution by deciding to end their lives. What Can You Do Most people who are depressed or who are thinking about suicide do not or will not talk about how they are feeling. They feel worthless. They have no hope. They deny their emotions or think that talking about their emotions will be a burden on others because no one cares. Or they are afraid others will make fun of them. That is understandable, because when someone mentions suicide, others may treat it as a joke or deny it. Those reactions only makes the problem worse. So, if a friend or relative brings up the subject, take it seriously and take some time to talk about it. Reassure the person that he or she does have someone to turn to. Parents, friends, school counselors, physicians, teachers, or a brother or sister are probably all too willing to listen. Do not lecture or point out all the reasons a person has to live. Instead, listen and reassure the individual that depression and suicidal tendencies can be treated. Depressive disorders respond readily to treatment such as psychotherapy or appropriate medication. Antidepressants can act within two to three weeks and often are used in addition to psychotherapy. Nearly 90 percent of all people suffering depression respond to these treatments. ############
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