Know Depression Warning Signs To Prevent Teen Suicide

Online, March 29, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Parents who know the depression warning signs may be able to head off a possible teen suicide attempt.

Nothing can be more devastating to a parent than the death of a child, especially if it is by their own hand. Sometimes a suicide attempt can come out of the blue and the family rushes into a sudden crisis without knowing exactly how they got there. More careful examination of the events, however, usually uncovers a pattern of change in the teen's life that leads up to an attempt to take that life.

Getting involved with a teenager's life is at times like a see-saw going up and down. Emotional changes are somewhat normal during these years, but extreme swings can be abnormal.

Common triggers for a suicide attempt include events that create a sense of abandonment such as breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, death of a parent or grandparent, divorce of parents and leaving home for college. While a healthy teen may be able to cope with these events, in a depressed teen, they might cause a suicide event.

Understanding the concept of depression is important so as to accept that it is indeed real. Depression is a mental illness that causes true physical changes in the brain, but the symptoms are mostly emotional.

The list below are the warning signs of depression. Four or more symptoms indicate the need to consult a physician, psychiatrist or a counselor.

Loss of Interest. Feeling flat or "stuck in neutral" and no longer enjoy hobbies or social activities.

Isolation. Staying away from family and friends.

Fatigue. Tires easily and can't complete tasks.

Neglect. Neglecting responsibilities and appearance (dirty hair and clothes).

Disrupted sleep. Sleeping patterns have changed; either oversleeping or awakening in the middle of the night.

Memory loss. Inability to remember things or events.

Irritability. Lack of patience with co-workers, friends and family.

Anxiety. Worrying about things over and over.

Suicidal Thoughts. This can range from thinking about it to actually planning and contemplating suicide.

Indecisiveness. Difficulty concentrating and even the smallest decisions are difficult.

Despair. Feelings of hopelessness, that nothing will ever change.

Change in appetite. Either eating too much or too little resulting in weight changes.

Digestive issues. Indigestion problems or even irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Guilt. A constant sense of guilt with exaggerated feelings of guilt and self blame.

School issues. Failing or worsening grades in school.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, teen suicide is the third leading cause of death in that age group.

Treatment of teen depression is similar to that for adults these days. A careful selection of the proper counselor, a psychiatrist and family support is essential. Medications are best managed by a psychiatrist, although many pediatricians can manage mild depression. Counseling may involve all family members to talk about depression warning signs.