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Teens today are maturing faster than ever with the average age of puberty dropping with each new generation. Feeling too old for rules and too young for true independence many teens are confused and frustrated, as are their parents.

Previously, it was thought that all brain development happened in early childhood. New brain research (based on MRI technology) shows that only 95% of brain development occurs within that time frame; the rest occurs in adolescence. Brain change results in improved physical coordination, increased capability to process information, more complex thinking abilities, changes in behavior, motivation, and sleep patterns. Enhanced thinking ability is the result of the brain working in concert as it  matures. Knowing that hormones are raging and brain reconfiguration is occurring can normalize anxieties that may otherwise become bewildering. Talking about feelings can help youth understand that uncertain thoughts and emotions are normal. Building belongingness is vital to these years. The many social pressures of adolescence can contribute to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. 

Though depression is a highly treatable condition, too many parents miss the warning signs or misread depression as just another phase of adolescence. Depression is more than a prolonged bout of moodiness or sadness. Suicidal thoughts can accompany depression. Be aware of :

• Irritability, anger or hostility
• Frequent crying; experiencing dramatic mood swings
• Apathy
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Negative changes in eating or sleep patterns
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Acting reckless, seemingly without thinking
• Talking or writing about wanting to hurt/kill oneself
• Giving away favorite possessions; preparing for death
• Sudden happiness (after a prolonged period of sadness: they may have decided the method of escape and are now in a period of anticipation) 

If you see a number of these signs:

• Begin to communicate with your teen. Talk about how they are feeling and what is upsetting them.
• Be gently persistent and expect some denial
• If there is a particular problem triggering the depression you may be able to support your teen in finding a solution. You may need to set up an appointment with your family physician or mental health professional who specializes in adolescents.

Teens suffering from depression have often become discouraged trying to cope with mounting pressures and the confusion of growing towards independence. They experience a persistent mood change resulting in overwhelming  feelings of despair, sadness or anger. They see no hope for happiness and as a result their chances of achieving either are diminished. They may be thinking of a permanent solution to the reality of a  temporary problem. Left untreated, depression can escalate into problems at school, home or even in the community including drugs as a means of self-medicating the problems or suicide and other forms of violence to self or others. Suicide is the third leading cause of deaths among 15 to 24 year olds.

Risk factors:

• previous suicide attempts
• problems with school relationships
• break-up of a romance
• unexpected pregnancy
• stressful family life
• major loss of  a loved one
• physical illness
• idolization of or friendship with a person who has committed suicide
• history of physical or sexual abuse
• failing in school or an important test
• difficulty coping with sexual orientation

Know the myths:

• Suicide always occurs without any warning signs
• If you ask a child about suicidal thoughts, you might put an idea into their head, so you should not ask
• Taking medication for depression may make a child suicidal
• If an adolescent has made a suicide attempt in the past, they are not likely to try again; they are just seeking attention.
• Media coverage about suicide does not impact suicidal behavior in youth
• Once people decide to die by suicide there is nothing you can do to stop them  

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