Parents can help teens through depression

By Staff Writer

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, each year, about 100,000 Americans under the age of 24 attempt suicide and approximately 5,000 succeed.

Depression is a common underlying cause and number one risk factor of teen suicide, the Gloucester Times reports. Studies of teen suicides show that many had long-lasting episodes of depression, changes in sleeping habits, truancy and substance abuse problems.

They also tended to have engaged in risky or impulsive behavior, given away valued possessions and actually talked to others about committing suicide. A single upsetting event, such as the breakup of a relationship or a rejection by a desired college, can possibly put an already depressed teen at risk of suicide.

Parents and others who are concerned can assist teens by helping them acknowledge their struggles, making time for quiet conversation, emphasizing that most kids their age are dealing with the same issues and being available to listen and support without arguing or passing judgment, according to the news source.

According to research conducted by PBS, major depression affects approximately 15 million American adults - or about 8 percent of the U.S. population - over the age of 18 in a given year.