Depression and Suicide​

What are the Red Flags Around Depression and the Possibility of Suicide?​

Fluctuating hormone levels and other physiological changes in adolescence often influence alterations of mood, changes in sleep patterns, and emotional liability. In this context, it can be difficult to determine whether emotional concerns like depression require professional intervention. In spite of the challenges of adolescence, extreme distress and emotional turmoil are not typical and generally indicate a problem. If you are concerned, but unable to reach a definite conclusion about the risks arising from your teen’s emotions, it is wise to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
Adolescents are often unable to recognize or express their depression like adults. They may be unaware of or out of touch with their feelings, or they may choose to keep them private. Depression is more likely to show up in their behaviour, in more covert or self-destructive ways. Unfortunately, the angry, annoying, or rebellious behaviour that may be a cry for help is often misinterpreted.
Some signs you can look for as 'red flags' indicating depression:
  • No interest or pleasure in things they used to enjoy
  • A low mood that lasts longer than is 'normal'
  • Changes in school performance
  • Trouble sleeping through the night, or wanting to sleep all the time
  • Wake up feeling 'down' and not wanting to get out of bed
  • Indications of feeling anxious, worthless, or guilty
  • Chronic fatigue; inability to get motivated
  • Frequent crying
  • Irritability or explosive anger over trivial events
  • Aggressive, impulsive or risk-taking behaviour 
  • Changes in appetite leading to weight loss or weight gain
  • Trouble thinking, remembering, focusing on what they are doing, or trouble making everyday decisions
  • Expressing thoughts of suicide, of "ending it all"; hinting at self-destruction 
  • Drinking heavily or using drugs to get through the day
The Roots of Depression
Depression can be caused by a multitude, or combination, of things. Occasionally, it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make it hard for the cells to communicate with one another; it can be part of family history; or it can be linked to stressful events, such as a divorce, or the death or loss of someone you love.  Certain medicines, the overuse of drugs and alcohol, and certain chronic diseases can also lead to depression.  Depression is not an indication of personal weakness, laziness, or a lack of willpower - it is an illness, and it can be treated.
The number of adolescents who suffer from depression ranges from one in five to one in eleven, depending on the statistics you use. Depression is twice as common in girls after the age of fourteen.
What can be Done?
Sometimes depression will disappear without any medical treatment, but it can take many months or years.  Since there is no sure way of predicting when an episode of depression may end, it is best to take action sooner rather than later.  If your teen is having symptoms of depression, and you want to consult a doctor or counsellor who can assess the situation, you should begin by trying to enlist the teen's cooperation. Either a parent or trusted adult should communicate concern in a caring, supportive way to establish a consensus that the problem does exist. The next step is offering help in the form of contact with a professional-- a doctor, counsellor or psychologist. If the adolescent refuses help, make an appointment for yourself; you will need help in assessing the situation, in planning a strategy for communication, coping and treatment.
Treatment for depression may include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, and/or self-management counselling.  Any one of these treatments, used alone or in combination, may produce effective results, but research suggests that a combination of drugs and therapy or counselling is best. Any parent dealing with a significantly depressed adolescent will probably benefit from support for themselves. Ask your child's therapist/counsellor, or your EAP provider, for recommendations about a parent support group in your area.

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