Teen Depression: It's Not Just a Phase

Teenagers may often have some depression, especially when their lives have gone through a major change, as in a death of a parent, sibling or even a beloved pet. Though depression is a common state of emotion, it isn't necessarily a healthy one. Everyone gets depressed from time to time, but when they stay depressed, this is a sign of a mental illness, and not just a phase of growing up.

Youth that are depressed are often going through some major stress at home. Depression may be a way of life for some children because their parents may be depressed, and they don't know any other display of character or emotion. Depression in our youth needs to be addressed, because so many of them are seeking relief from depression through suicide and attempted suicide. Depression isn't new to our youth; it has been a problem in children for the last half century.

The signs of depression in youth are the same as in adults. If you notice your child is often sad, crying, preferring to wear black, and often writing dark poetry, your child may be depressed. You may hear your teen making statements about life not being worth the trouble of living it. If you hear statements like this, take them seriously. When teens are depressed they are less likely to engage with their friends. Their grades at school may also suffer. We, as parents need to pay attention to the warning signs of teen depression.

Often times when our children get into a state of depression, they stop talking to us. They seem to keep their feelings inside, rather than telling us what is bothering them. Often kids will feel rejected, when it is they who are avoiding contact with others. I was a depressed child from early childhood on through to my teens. I always felt like people didn't like me, and I felt rejected, when it was me who was avoiding contact. My depression seemed to escalate as I grew older. I wasn't alone in my depression, my cousin was going through her own turmoil, but she chose to end her troubles with suicide at the tender age of 17.