Return to Teen Health Articles Index Page		| E-Mail Page To A Friend |

The teenage years can be a time of worry and anxiety

Teen Depression and Suicide

A teenager’s life can be full of excitement and great opportunities. Who knows what lies waiting for you in the future—love, wealth, fun? However, the teenage years can also be a time of worry and anxiety. Sometimes it is hard to fit in while trying to be yourself.

Self-identity does not come easy for everyone, and some teens feel left out of the crowd and perhaps even a stranger in their own home. If you are less than perfect, which everybody is, it is hard not to feel depressed. Unfortunately in some teens, this depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. In fact, the majority of suicide attempts and deaths happen among teens with depression.

It is easy to understand why severe depression and suicide are linked. Serious depression warps a person’s viewpoint. It makes an individual focus only on his or her disappointments and failures. Deeply depressed thinking causes people to conclude that there is nothing out there worth living for. It makes them feel hopeless, worthless, useless and unnecessary.

BUT HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEPRESSED?
Consider the following scenarios:
1) Yesterday, you felt great. You went to the movies with your friends, and your crush actually talked to you. But today you found out that you failed your math test. You feel angry and sad. You studied really hard for this test. Your mom tells you that it’s okay. You’ll do better next time. You feel better, even happy again. Those are normal mood swings.

2) But let’s say yesterday you felt horrible. You went to the movies, even though you didn’t want to. The movie was good, but you still feel sad. Your “crush” stopped to talk to you, but who cares? Today, you failed a math test that you studied very hard for which adds to your sadness. Your mom tells you that you’ll do better next time, but you feel so horrible that you can’t even acknowledge her attempt to cheer you up. You slam the door to your room. Inside, you wonder, “Why bother, anyway?” You have felt this way for more than a two weeks and it’s not getting any better. These are feelings of depression.

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
If you feel angry, sullen, or miserable for more than two weeks straight, you are not alone. Depression is a very common illness among teenagers. But how can you tell if you or a friend may be contemplating suicide due to depression? If you suspect your friend is suicidal, look for these warning signs:

• Talk about suicide or death a lot?
• Withdraw from family and friends?
• Not hang out with the gang anymore?
• Express self-destructive behavior, such as drug-use or excessive drinking?
• Talk about “going away”?
• Feel hopeless or guilty?
• Have trouble concentrating?
• Not eat or eat too much?
• Have trouble sleeping?

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, your friend may be at risk. Keep in mind that if a friend has talked to you about suicide and has mentioned things like, “My family won’t be bothered by me much longer,” or “They’d be better off if I just died,” you need to be alarmed and speak with your parents about it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Many teens who think about suicide have low self-esteem. They do not want to talk about their private thoughts of suicide because they think no one will care. That’s where you come in! If you suspect someone you know may be contemplating suicide there are things you can do to try and help them:

• Be their friend. Let them know you care. Ask them questions and take an interest in their lives and concerns.
• Talk them into therapy. Explain to them that they are depressed and there may be cure for that depression. When they get the proper therapy or treatment, their depression will go away, and they will feel happy and energetic again.
• Whatever you do, try not to lecture. Don’t tell them that they have so much to live for, blah, blah, blah. Let them do the talking. When you lecture about the wonders of life, it just sounds forced and contrite.

If you or a friend has been thinking about suicide, please, get help right away. Don’t just wait for the bad mood to subside. If you do not want anyone you know to be aware of your personal thoughts, call a local suicide hotline anonymously. These lines are toll-free and are answered 24/7 by trained professionals. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).

Want to hear something staggering? According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. But, remember, even though you may feel sad and lonely at times, suicide is never the answer. Think about it. Suicide is permanent. Your problems are only temporary.