Teen depression and teen suicide is on the rise, leaving many scratching their heads for a cause and solution. Firstly, we know teens deal with a lot of pressure, peer pressure being one of the biggest. Similarly, the increased use of social media is no help in promoting realistic expectations of self. So, as parents, educators and helping professionals one big questions remains. Are we able to reach our teens that are struggling? Evidence in a recent study in JAMA Network Journal from Harvard Medical School indicates we are not. Suicide rates increased in 2017 to the highest number ever recorded in both adolescents 15-19 years and 20-24 years of age. But how do we reach our youth before they hit the breaking point? In short, we fight fear with knowledge. Teen Depression is frequently linked with Suicide among youth.
According to National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Depression is a medical illness that affects areas like sleeping, eating, school work and communication. Teen depression is a problem in big cities and small towns, it doesn’t discriminate. Furthermore, It is a serious problem frequently needing treatment to feel better. A common misconception of depression why can’t they just “snap out of it”. Frustrated friend and family members may not understand depression. They may encourage the teen to “be positive” and “try harder to be happy”. Above all, many people with depression need treatment to get better. If you think you or someone you love may have depression, please know you are not alone and it is treatable. Ask for support. If this is a problem you or a loved one think you may be struggling with call Therapy SRQ at 941-202-3432.
