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When a teenager takes his own life the void that is left in the family is often insurmountable. Parents are left with a mountain of unanswered questions and the shock and stress it brings to their lives is often hard to bear.

In today's society children have a tremendous amount of stress put on them from many different directions. They are encouraged to do well in school, to excel in extracurricular activities and to take on part time jobs. There is also pressure from peers to fit into the crowd and be cool. As a result many teenagers do such things as experiment with drugs, alcohol and sexual relations in order to be accepted by their peer group.

Children need to be given the necessary tools to help them cope with the stresses that are heaped upon them in their developing years. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable when it comes to depression. Taken to extremes, in the worst case scenario depressed feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Signs of Depression

Learn to recognize the typical signs of depression in your teenager. These include:

• A lack of energy

• A feeling of being “down” or “low” often

• Irritable when asked to perform a specific task

• Unexplained weight gain or loss

• Sleeplessness or an excessive need to sleep a lot

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Suicidal thoughts or threats of suicide

• A drop in grades and/or missing school because of claims of being sick

• Lack of interest in friends or social activities

• Lack of caring about a variety of things and/or indecisiveness

• Low level of frustration

• Frequent bouts of unexplained crying

How to Help

Your depressed teenager needs your love, understanding, patience and support. Show your child that you are in his corner. If you have ever experienced what he is going through then share your experience so he sees that he is not alone in his suffering.

Encourage your child to be as physically active as possible because physical activity is beneficial for mental health and well-being. Also encourage your child to spend time with friends and family and to join groups that might interest him, such as a club at school, or an art class. Isolation is not what your depressed teenager needs.

If you seek out treatment for your depressed teen then make sure you remain involved in it every step of the way. It is also important to take the time to become an expert on the topic of depression. By so doing you can better help your child recover faster and improve his sense of self-worth.