Teenagers as it is are already in a phase of their life where they are struggling to cope with the changes and demands of society, they are always under peer pressure too as social acceptance is very important for them.

This phase between childhood and adulthood becomes quite stressing for many teens, especially if proper support from family is not there. It’s a sad thing that many parents in spite of having been through this stage themselves are not able to guide their teens in the proper way.

In addition to this, it has come to light of many cases of teens struggling with issues which stems from social activities online. The times has really changed now, and it is a very challenging times for parents too as they have to constantly watch out for their kids.

The detailed discussions below is on teens and depression with focus on the causes and ways to help.

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Introduction & Overview

Every adult knows that adolescence can be a challenging time for even the most well adjusted individuals. Raising a teen, providing guidance and teaching your teen how to develop coping tools for traditional social issues can be a daunting task all on its own. Today, parents, guardians and caretakers of teens have the added challenge of identifying issues that stem from online social behavior.

In this article, we will explore how to identify signs that your young adult may be depressed, or in more advanced instances, may be suffering from suicidal tendencies. We will also provide you with resources to help you safely intervene and provide support to your teen.

Signs of Depression & Suicidal Tendencies

A review of multiple studies has shown that people express their depression in different ways. It may seem as though this is stating the obvious, but there has been extensive discussion in the mental health community as to whether adults and adolescents experience and communicate depression in different ways. It turns out that it is inconclusive: “Considering over a dozen studies relevant to the question, Weiss and Garber concluded that the matter remains unresolved: it is not known how depression in childhood and adolescence may differ from that in adults.”1 However, one may be able to detect depression by observing some of the classical signs of behavioral change, regardless of age.

Depression and suicidal tendencies are often preceded by changes in behavior and mood. The most easily identifiable clue may be a sudden lack of interest in activities that once brought delight or pleasure. This lack of pleasure may be a side effect of other stressors that will be discussed in the next section. Additional signs of depression include:

• Excessive crying or moodiness
• Feelings of guilt, sadness or hopelessness
• Persistent low self-esteem
• Easily irritated
• Sleep pattern changes: either sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
• Eating patterns change: not eating enough or over-eating
• Self-isolation
• Excessive Internet use or phone/texting

Signs of suicidal tendencies may be more pronounced and advanced than depressed behavior. Often times with teens, depressed behavior is a pre-cursor to suicidal behavior, especially when it is prolonged. In addition to signs of depression, suicidal behaviors and tendencies to look out for include:

• Suicide notes
• Verbal threats of suicide
• Expressing strong feeling of being “trapped”
• Saying phrases like “Everyone would be better off without me”
• Pre-occupation with death and dying
• Final arrangements such as giving away personal belongings
• Acting recklessly as if having a death wish
• Sudden change in friends and social activities
• Sudden switch from being depressed to calm and even happy
• Self-injurious behavior
• Change in music preferences (to a darker, moodier genre)

Traditional Signs of Depression

The reasons an individual may become depressed or stay depressed are as varied as personality types. Adolescence is a socially turbulent time for most individuals, and social stressors at home and school during this time period provide a foundation for the most traditional causes of depression in teens.

A sudden change in environment, like moving from one town to another, or even changing schools can cause an interruption in a teens life rhythm and result in depression. Similarly, a lack of structure or boundaries may contribute to a feeling of lack of direction or accomplishment.

Poor academic performance that may be due to an undiagnosed learning disability, or self-perception of having a low social status compared to peers are among the top causes for depression in a school environment. A loss of self-esteem resulting from a turbulent family environment, or a humiliating experience may also cause an episode of depression.

Technology has its benefits of making communication and research easier, but these advantages bring with them a unique set of challenges and additional social pressures for teens. In addition to traditional causes of depression, there may be events that precipitate from online (also referred to as “cyber” or “virtual”) social situations.

Causes For Depression Rooted in Cyber-Issues

There are a multitude of social networking sites available for individuals to express their creativity and personalities. Sites like Facebook and MySpace allow teens to keep in contact with each other, but also open teens up to criticism and cyber-bullying. The first widely publicized case of teen suicide resulting from cyber-bullying revealed that the ‘bully’ was the parent of a schoolmate of the girl. The case resulted in the passage of the first law making cyber-bullying a crime.

Research has shown that depression stemming from Internet use or dependency strikes higher in younger age groups. Is it not clear whether depression causes increased Internet use, or if increased Internet use results in depression.

While cyber-bullying tops the list for depression issues stemming from the Internet, there are multiple other causes including cyber-stalking, sexting, and gaming addiction. Clues to these dysfunctions present themselves similarly; while visits to the Internet may be for different reasons or to different sites, the behavior exhibits as excessive use.

Ways You Can Help

The best thing to do to avert major depression with your teen whether it be from traditional causes or causes rooted in cyber issues, is to keep the lines of communication open. Between demanding work schedules and extracurricular activities, it can be challenging to spend time with your teen. But it is important to make time and stay in contact with your teen so that you know what is going on in their lives and be able to detect negative changes.

It is important to educate your child about how to properly use technology and balance virtual activities with everyday life. Sharing this kind of information early when your child is younger as they are learning to utilize technology will help prepare them for interacting in the virtual world.

Talk with your teen if you suspect depressive behavior. Remember that being supportive, and listening (without lecturing), and understanding are important ways of encouraging your teen to share their feelings. If your teen opens up to you about the issues, respect their privacy as much as possible unless the situation is dire, in which case you should seek immediate help.

When To Get External Help

Knowing when to intervene when your child is depressed can be a sensitive situation. If you child is persistently exhibiting any of the behaviors discussed above, you should take action. Initiating a conversation with your teen is the best approach. If this approach is not successful, you may consider a visit to your family doctor, professional therapist, or spiritual/religious leader.

External Resources and Online Resources

• Net Addiction – www.netaddiction.com
• Webmd – www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression
• Psych Central – www.psychcentral.com/lib/2007/teenage-depression
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/where_to_find_help_for_your_child
• Troubled Teens – www.4troubledteens.com
• Your Child’s school counselor or psychiatrist
• Your spiritual/religious leader

References

1. “Depression: Causes and Treatment”, Second Edition, Aaron T. Beck, M.D. and Brad A. Alford, Ph.D.,2009
2. “Depression Guide: Teen Depression” WebMD
3. “Teen’s Suicide Spurs Anti-Cyberbullying Law” NewsFactor, Frederick Lane. November 24, 2007
4. “Internet addiction’ Linked to Depression Says Study” Mail Online, Jenny Hope. February 3, 2010
5. “HelpGuide Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents and Teachers” HelpGuide.org

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We have seen from the above how the cyber age has brought about a change in the role of parents in parenting today. No longer can a parent have a casual attitude towards this. What a child experiences during his or her childhood and also during the transition period shapes his or her personality in such a way that it affects his/her future and whole life ahead. There is enough evidence that many disturbed adults had a very difficult childhood, likewise many healthy and well balanced adults had very good childhood experiences with very supportive parents.

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