When Your Teen is Depressed

Signs of depression are often subtle, easily confused with other symptoms, and sometimes contradictory.
No one sign by itself indicates depression, but a number of symptoms, over a period of time, that interfere with his or her ability to carry on normal activities could signal depression.

What To Look For:

• Less interest in, or pleasure from, usual activities.
• Sadness, discouragement, negative reactions or withdrawal.
• Wide temper swings, anger, or restlessness.
• Sleeping too much or not enough.
• Eating too much or not enough.
• Loss of motivation.
• Difficulty concentrating.

What To Do:

• Show your concern.
• Listen, don't lecture. Point out that bad feelings are usually temporary and that everyone experiences them at times.
• Encourage him to do some activities even though he may not feel like it.
• Encourage your teen to set aside a short period of time each day to think about how to approach problems, then set those problems aside and follow the normal routine.
• Agree with feelings, but reject unreasonable ideas. "Yes, I can see how that might make you feel bad, but I'm sure you still have friends."
• Try problem-solving together.
• Suggest positive ways of looking at things or acting.
• Remove all guns from you home, or lock them securely.
• Keep prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and alcoholic beverages locked away.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If your teen is having excessive problems in day-to-day activities, seems highly distressed, or the problems persist, seek counseling early on.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

It is normal for adolescents to think about suicide as a way of avoiding problems or consequences, but they usually reject the idea as too scary, too harsh, or too unrealistic. Whenever a teen acknowledges suicidal tendencies or the parent has concern, even if the teen denies these tendencies, a consultation with a professional is advisable. Parents should consult a mental health professional highly trained in assessing and intervening with suicidal tendencies, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
What To Look For:

• Threats or hints of suicide.
• Expressions of hopelessness or inability to cope.
• Extreme withdrawal.
• Extremely reckless or life-threatening behavior.
• Alcohol abuse.

What To Do:

• Calm yourself.
• Talk to your teen about your observations and your concern. Then LISTEN.
• Tell your child that you care and offer your support.
• Acknowledge that feeling you want to die is a rotten feeling, but assure her that these feelings don't last.
• Assure her that a person does not have to act in accordance with feelings all the time.
• Ask her to promise to talk to you, or a trusted adult friend, before making any attempt to end her life.
• Monitor and supervise your child.
• Dispose of any lethal means of suicide (guns, medications, alcohol, poison chemicals, etc.)

—From the Editors of DriverEducation.com