A Teen With Depression is a Frightening Reality For Parents
Too many times parents are oblivious to the fact that their teen is or could be depressed.
Teens tend to hide intimate feelings either fearing they will be brushed off as silly or their fears will be discounted as trivial with remarks from the parent like, "What have you got to be depressed about?" A teen even hinting of depression should be taken very seriously.
There have been many cases where a teen with depression carried out his or her suicide while the parents didn't have a clue there was a problem! Factors that have pushed a teenage depression over the edge could be bullies at school, not fitting in, peers attacking them either physically or even mentally.
There have been a couple of instances of teen suicide from internet bullying.
And, they involved both girls and boys! Teens do not have the maturity to understand their feelings, do not want to bother their parents or friends feeling inadequate and thinking there is no way out of their situation.
You must step in if there is even the smallest of clues and be persistent! Prescription antidepressants are not always the best answer as many have proven to increase suicidal thoughts and actions in teens.
These drugs increase levels of serotonin just like exercise, and certain precursors such as foods high in tryptophan.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have an intracellular activity comparable to lithium and drugs used to treat bipolar depression.
Increased serotonin and dopamine levels in a teen with depression will help them cope and support them with a positive mood and feelings.
There is no doubt that today's teens have more stress and issues to deal with.
Self confidence and self esteem are needed requirements in order to handle all the complications associated with growing up.
They need your support and help in trying to figure out this trying time.
Never ignore your teen's mention of trouble in any aspect of their lives.
Look for behavior that they don't usually exhibit; changes in eating habits, drug abuse, wanting to sleep excessively, ignoring friends, moodiness and any other changes such as acting out by performing criminal acts.
If you have concerns about your teen with depression and cannot reach or talk to your teen make an appointment with your doctor, or try family counseling especially if there are risk factors like a family history of depression.
Teens tend to hide intimate feelings either fearing they will be brushed off as silly or their fears will be discounted as trivial with remarks from the parent like, "What have you got to be depressed about?" A teen even hinting of depression should be taken very seriously.
There have been many cases where a teen with depression carried out his or her suicide while the parents didn't have a clue there was a problem! Factors that have pushed a teenage depression over the edge could be bullies at school, not fitting in, peers attacking them either physically or even mentally.
There have been a couple of instances of teen suicide from internet bullying.
And, they involved both girls and boys! Teens do not have the maturity to understand their feelings, do not want to bother their parents or friends feeling inadequate and thinking there is no way out of their situation.
You must step in if there is even the smallest of clues and be persistent! Prescription antidepressants are not always the best answer as many have proven to increase suicidal thoughts and actions in teens.
These drugs increase levels of serotonin just like exercise, and certain precursors such as foods high in tryptophan.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have an intracellular activity comparable to lithium and drugs used to treat bipolar depression.
Increased serotonin and dopamine levels in a teen with depression will help them cope and support them with a positive mood and feelings.
There is no doubt that today's teens have more stress and issues to deal with.
Self confidence and self esteem are needed requirements in order to handle all the complications associated with growing up.
They need your support and help in trying to figure out this trying time.
Never ignore your teen's mention of trouble in any aspect of their lives.
Look for behavior that they don't usually exhibit; changes in eating habits, drug abuse, wanting to sleep excessively, ignoring friends, moodiness and any other changes such as acting out by performing criminal acts.
If you have concerns about your teen with depression and cannot reach or talk to your teen make an appointment with your doctor, or try family counseling especially if there are risk factors like a family history of depression.
