Teen Depression (Part 4)

Signals that your teen needs to seek professional help

As parent or guardian to your teen, it is sometimes difficult to determine what is normal and what is not. Ups and downs are very common in teenagers and these are the reasons why it is so hard to decide whether you need to bring your teen to a doctor or you just need to wait and see what happens next. There are simple rules of thumb that, like an alarm, can prompt you and make you decide that your teenager, who is in crisis, needs to see a doctor:

1. If his behaviors or feelings are already interfering with his daily life, like schoolwork, sleep, family, friendships, and relationships, and such feelings or behaviors are persistent during the last two weeks or so, he needs professional help.

2. If your teens safety is already at stake, like for example, he begins to talk about suicide or ending his life, or if he starts to become a danger to those around him (violent behaviors), talk to a doctor, a guidance counselor, or a mental health professional. Your family doctor is a good starting point. You may also try visiting the school physician who may recommend someone who is trained to handle adolescents in crisis or dilemma.

When is there a need to involve other persons in your teen’s problem?

Suicide is often associated with teen depression. If you think your teenager is in danger of hurting himself or he poses danger to other people, share your concerns with his teacher, a priest or spiritual leader, a fellow parent, or someone else you trust. If you have difficulty in conversing or communicating with your teen, encourage him to reach out to a close friend or loved one. Seek help from your primary doctor. Talk to his best friend or the family member closes to him and make sure someone always stays with him, most especially at night, when most suicides happen, probably because of some confusion during that particularly moment of the day. Never ignore comments or concerns about suicide. Always take action to get help.

What can happen if teen depression is left untreated?

Teen depression symptoms likely will not get better without treatment. If left untreated teen depression might get worse or lead to other problems. Without treatment or professional help and advice, your teen might resort to alcohol and drugs. He might have academic and school problems. Not to mention suicide, he might end up committing juvenile crimes that are punishable under the judicial system. His symptoms might lead to, start and complicate family and relationship problems.

(To be continued)