Teen Suicide

Every year, 8 out of 100,000 teens commit suicide. It is estimated that, for every one of those who did, there are ten more who attempted to end their lives but didn't succeed. Although it is the leading cause of death among adolescents, it goes virtually undetected until it's too late.

Depression in teens can be caused by a variety of factors:

1) Biological: If one or more parents or grandparents have suffered from depression in the past, then the likelihood of a teen developing some form of depression is that much greater. A chemical imbalance can also be an underlying cause, such as bipolar disorder or manic depression.

2) Personality Traits: If a teen lacks in self-esteem it could trigger depression. This could be the result of constant ridicule by friends and family members, living with an alcoholic parent, or residing in an abusive home. The old adage, "Children learn what they live," can be very accurate in this instance.

3) Environmental Stress: Divorce could produce depression in a teen, as could a family death or a major change of residence. Often a teen will removed from their friends and delve into a depressive state.

Today's society places more stress on our young people than ever before. In addition to the peer pressure that they face on a daily basis, there is the prominent use of drugs and an increasing number of single parent homes. It is difficult for a teen to talk about their problems if there is no one there to talk to. It is inaccurate to think that, because your child retracts into their own world, that it is "merely a phase." Being a teenager does not mean that a child must be unhappy. Some of the symptoms to watch for are:

Increase in number of hours sleeping

Insomnia

Change in appetite

Spending an increased amount of time alone

Failing grades or truancy

Use of alcohol and/or drugs

If your teen exhibits any of these signs, do not feel that it's necessary to give them their space. There is an online screening test that may help you to determine whether or not your child is in need of help; http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/l/blquz_depressi.htm. This site is only meant to aid you in identifying a problem. If you think that your son or daughter may be suffering from depression, get them help now! The child you lose could be your own.

Reference: *National Institute for Mental Health