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Teen depression and suicide

A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes. Mahatma Gandhi Depression is not just sadness. It is a diagnosable illness with specific symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with depression, the individual must have symptoms for at least two weeks. Children and adolescents sometimes dont have the language to label their own emotions. They may have been depressed for so long, they dont realize that what they are experiencing is depression. They dont understand that its possible to feel differently. Adolescent depression is a disorder that affects teenagers. It leads to sadness, discouragement, and a loss of self-worth and interest in their usual activities. Depression can change the way teenagers see themselves, their lives, and the people around them. Teenagers who are depressed usually see everything more negatively. They can't imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way. Teenage depression isnt just bad moods and occasional melancholyits a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teens life. Teen depression can lead to problems at home and sc hool, drug abuse, self-loathing, even violence or suicide. Teen depression is eating out teenagers like a dragon. The reasons for depression are many, but the result has unanimously ended in depression and attempted suicides. Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. They tend to turn to drugs (overdosing) or to cut themselves, while boys are traditionally more successful in their suicide attempts because they utilize more lethal methods such as guns and hanging. This method preference makes boys almost four times more successful in committing suicide. A family history of depression also puts teenagers at greater risk. According to rough statistics, it is said that about 28% of teenage kids have been driven into depression, of which 17% are found to be girls and 11% are boys. Suicide is the third most common cause of death amongst adolescents between 15-24 years of age. It is estimated that over half of all teens suffering from depression will attempt suicide at least once, and of those teens, roughly 7 percent will succeed on the first try. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to the threat of suicide, because in addition to increased stress from school, work and peers, teens are also dealing with hormonal fluctuations that can complicate even the most normal situations. Suicide Risk Factors Certain characteristics are associated with increased suicide risk. These include:

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Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders, and substance abuse. Family stress/dysfunction. Environmental risks, including presence of a firearm in the home. Situational crises (i.e., traumatic death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, family violence, etc.).

Suicide Warning Signs Many suicidal youth demonstrate observable behaviors that signal their suicidal thinking. These include:

Suicidal threats in the form of direct and indirect statements. Suicide notes and plans. Prior suicidal behavior. Making final arrangements (e.g., making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away prized possessions). Preoccupation with death. Changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts and/or feelings.

Often, preventing teen suicide means treating teen depression. Since 75 percent of the people who commit suicide are depressed (according to the University of Texas), it is a good start to begin by treating the symptoms of teen depression. Treatment options for adolescents with depression include: supportive care from a medical provider, talk therapy, antidepressant medications (possibly). Almost all adolescents with depression and suicidal thoughts benefit from some type of talk therapy. Talk therapy is a good place to talk about their feelings and concerns, and to learn ways to deal with them. Types of talk therapy include: cognitivebehavioral therapy teaches depressed people ways of fighting negative thoughts, family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is contributing to the depression, talk therapy (psychotherapy) can help adolescents understand issues that may be causing their behavior, thoughts, or feelings, joining a support group of people who are experiencing problems like yours can also help. Finally teen depression and suicide is a real and serious modern day problem, which cannot be ignored. Being aware of the major signs can help prevent and encourage teens to live a happy life to see the positive instead of the negative, and make them have hope for a better future and for a better life.