Suicide Prevention Week 2015: How To Recognize Signs of Depression Among Teens

The prevalence of suicide in society today has set off alarm bells among experts on the field. In particular, the number of people succumbing to depression and anxiety is causing quite a panic in the community. With the continuous increase of the number of individuals taking their own lives, parents and guardians should become more knowledgeable and have a heightened sense of awareness in the events in the lives of their kids - especially the teenagers.

"There's a significant body of research that demonstrates that individuals suffering from anxiety disorders and depression face an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts," shares Dr. Mark Pollack via Pioneer News. Polack, who is the president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, further states that the best way to curb the act of committing suicide is for the troubled individual to be properly diagnosed and treated. The Grainger professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago pointed out that proper diagnosis is key, as both depression and anxiety oftentimes exhibit symptoms at the same time.

Since teenagers are widely known to experience emotional upheaval as they come into terms with the development in their minds and bodies, it is important for parents to keep an eye out for the changes in the behavior of their children - especially those that surpass the typical moodiness of teenage kids.

HelpGuide.Org, an organization that provides assistance for the mental health and awareness of the public, gives out tips on how to determine whether or not your child might be at risk for suicide. According to the non-profit group, the depression experienced by a teenager could result in drug and alcohol abuse. In some cases, the troubled teen may suffer from self-loathing which could lead to self-mutilation. Early pregnancies and acting out are signs of teen depression as well. For other teens incapable of handling the depression, suicide becomes a viable solution to end their misery.

"Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager's personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger," explains the organization in an attempt to differentiate depression from moodiness of teenagers.

As for the symptoms, the American Psychological Association provided the following list that could serve as a guide to parents and concerned loved ones on the signs to look out for when teens are exhibiting behaviors that may lead to suicide:

• Talking about dying
• Recent loss
• Change in personality
• Change in behavior
• Change in sleep patterns
• Change in eating habits
• Fear of losing control
• Low self esteem
• No hope for the future