Depression and Suicide in Teenagers: A Parent’s Guide to Recognizing Warning Signs
Depression and suicide in teenagers are frightening prospects for any parent of an adolescent or tween. Teenagers are expected to go through various mood swings, vast changes, and, at times, even appear a little depressed. However, it can be challenging to determine whether mild depression is just a phase or a sign of something more serious. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious, such as cutting, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, losing interest in friends and usual activities, or withdrawing from family members. Other times, the signs aren’t as clear.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Just because your teenager wears all black and has pierced their nose doesn’t necessarily mean they are in danger of depression or suicide. This type of self-expression is often linked to the “goth” subculture and, for the most part, is just a phase. However, there are cases where some gothic subcultures engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as an obsession with vampires and drinking each other’s blood. This behavior can be not only unsanitary but also a potential warning sign of impending suicide, stemming from a childlike belief that the fantasy world they are emulating can only be fully realized in death.
Although this is a growing concern among certain teen communities, thankfully, most kids can distinguish between goth fashion as a style and the dangerous fantasy world some cults attempt to promote.
Teens who experience an overwhelming amount of pressure are more likely to suffer from depression and may be at risk of suicide. These pressures can affect any child, whether it’s the straight-A student or the star athlete. Sports, for example, can be a great outlet, but when a parent places all of their hopes and dreams on their child’s athletic success, the resulting pressure can lead to significant depression.
Teens are often hesitant to speak up about their feelings because they fear disappointing their parents. In extreme cases, a teenager may even resort to self-harm as a cry for help, or as a way to escape the intense pressure of fulfilling a parent’s expectations.
The Role of Drama and Relationships
Teens dealing with a great deal of emotional drama are also at an increased risk of depression. Relationships can feel intense between the ages of 14 and 18, and it’s not uncommon for teens to experience significant emotional turmoil during these years. Research shows that boys are more likely to commit suicide, while girls are more likely to harm themselves.
Depression and suicide in teenagers can even be contagious. If a teenager has experienced a traumatic event—such as the death of a friend, a shooting, or a suicide—their chances of developing depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts increase by nearly 25%. It’s not uncommon for one tragedy to lead to another, whether it’s due to the pain caused by the initial event, or the feeling of hopelessness and frustration a teenager may feel in the aftermath.
Home Life and Its Impact
The state of a teenager’s home life plays a crucial role in their mental health. If a teenager’s home life is chaotic or unstable, or if they feel emotionally neglected, they may struggle with feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Without a sense of safety or support at home, these teens may feel like they have no refuge in the world. Unfortunately, this is often the time when parents, preoccupied with their own crises or the needs of other children, fail to notice their teenager’s signs of depression.
The Leading Causes of Depression and Suicide in Teens
Drugs, alcohol, sexual identity issues, and external pressure are among the top factors contributing to depression and suicide in teenagers. Teens are at a critical juncture in their lives, caught between childhood and adulthood, and they often face adult issues without having the coping mechanisms to deal with them. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and, in some cases, loneliness. While most teenagers suffer from depression without it leading to suicide, many still feel as though they are trapped in a world without a way out.
What Parents Can Do
Most experts recommend annual mental health check-ins for teenagers. Taking your teen to a counselor or mental health professional each year can provide them with an opportunity to openly discuss the issues in their life. This can help parents gain a clearer understanding of where their child stands on the mental health scale. Some teens may attend two or three sessions and feel comfortable moving on, while others may find that having someone to talk to privately is helpful and choose to continue.
However, not all teens respond positively to the idea of therapy, and some may refuse to speak at all. Even so, maintaining an open dialogue and encouraging emotional honesty is key.
The FDA has issued warnings over the past decade regarding the use of antidepressants in teenagers. Some antidepressants have been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts, especially within the first 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, suicidal thoughts may emerge after a year or longer on these medications. It’s essential for parents to thoroughly review any medications their teen is prescribed and ensure that they are suitable for someone under 18.
Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent
The greatest asset your child has, whether they realize it or not, is a parent who remains actively engaged in their emotional well-being. The best defense against depression and suicide in teenagers is a parent who knows their child well enough to recognize when they need help—especially when the teen may be resistant. Trust your instincts, even if your teen objects. Their safety and mental health are far more important than their temporary resistance.
