How to Recognize the Signs of Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents
As adolescents navigate through the ups and downs of life, they may experience a wide range of emotions. However, it is essential to recognize when those emotions have taken a turn for the worse, particularly when it comes to depression and suicidal ideation. Here are the signs to recognize depressions and suicidal ideation in adolescents according to an adolescent counselor.
Many young people in their teen years suffer from depression. All people experience depression in different ways, but here are some common symptoms:
One. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Two. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
Three. Changes in appetite or weight
Four. Sleep disturbances
Five. Fatigue or loss of energy
Six. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Seven. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
While some of these symptoms may be attributed to the normal ups and downs of adolescence, it is important to be mindful of the duration and intensity of these feelings. If an adolescent experiences these symptoms for an extended period of time, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
On the other side, suicidal ideation describes the actual experience of contemplating suicide. Adolescent suicide ideation is a serious problem, and anyone who notices the warning signals should get help right once. When someone is having suicidal thoughts, they may exhibit behaviors like:
One. Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
Two. Talking about feeling trapped or having no way out
Three. Talking about feeling like a burden to others
Four. Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
Five. Giving away prized possessions
Six. Withdrawing from friends and family
Seven. Making plans or preparations for suicide.
Early response is required if any of these symptoms are observed in a teen. Express your worries to the teen in a conversation. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional like Adrien Survol Rivin PSYD, a trusted adolescent counselor in the Sherman Oaks, CA area. Call me (818) 784-7107 today for more information.