Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 49 TEEN DEPRESSION: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS Learn the Signs and How You Can Help Your Teen http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional melancholy—it’s a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self-loathing and self-mutilation, pregnancy, violence, and even suicide. But as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many ways you can help. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track. • Understanding teen depression • Signs and symptoms • Effects of teen depression • Suicide warning signs in teens • Help a depressed teenager • Teenage antidepressant use • Supporting a teen through treatment • Taking care of the whole family Understanding teen depression For Teens If you’re a teenager struggling with depression or you’d like to learn how to help a depressed friend, see Teen Depression: A Guide for Teenagers. There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenager’s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. Whether the incidences of teen depression are actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of them, the fact remains that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only one in five depressed teens receive help. Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs. Signs and symptoms of teen depression Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more ► In This Article:
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