From the author: For parents and those who work with teenagers. Why are teenagers susceptible to depression? There are many reasons why a teenager feels unhappy. School performance, social status among peers, family well-being are factors that have a huge impact on the mental state of a teenager. If neither friends, nor relatives - not even favorite activities - can help a teenager get rid of feelings of depression, regardless of the reason for its occurrence, then there is a huge chance that he has teenage depression. Symptoms of teenage depression. Often, the symptoms of teenage depression manifest themselves in changes in mood and behavior. Sick children lose motivation in life and become withdrawn; after returning from school, they lock themselves in their room and may sit alone for hours. Below are the main symptoms of teenage depression: Apathy Constant pain, such as headaches, stomach pain, back pain or feeling tired Difficulty concentrating Difficulty on your own make a decision Irresponsible behavior - such as forgetting about responsibilities, being late for school, or skipping school Loss of appetite or excessive overeating, resulting in significant weight loss or obesity Forgetfulness Obsession with thoughts of death Rebellious behavior Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness Insomnia at night and increased sleepiness during the day Sudden decline in academic performance school Use of alcohol, drugs and casual promiscuous sex Avoidance of friends If depression begins between the ages of 15 and 30, then in most cases it is hereditary. In addition, teenage depression is more common in children with a family history of depression. How to treat depression? There are many treatments for depression, including medications and psychotherapy. If depression is caused by problems in the family, family psychotherapy can be an effective treatment option. The child should also feel supported by relatives and teachers in order to overcome difficulties in learning and communicating with peers. Your doctor should choose the best treatment method. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate!!! There is also a non-drug way to treat depression with the help of a psychologist-psychotherapist. This psychocorrectional work is based on helping a teenager establish the causes of his depressive state, teach him to recognize negative thoughts and be able to cope with them. What are the signs of suicidal behavior in adolescents? In adolescence, suicidal behavior is a serious problem. Lately, teens' voluntary withdrawal has become an epidemic. Family problems, the loss of a loved one, poor performance at school, or ongoing failures in personal relationships can all cause negative thoughts and lead to depression. But in adolescence, these problems seem insurmountable, and the pain they cause unbearable. Suicide is an act of despair, and is mainly caused by teenage depression. The main signs of suicidal behavior in adolescents include: Lack of hope and faith in the future Disregard for oneself (talking about how no one cares about him) Signs of preparation for death: stop engaging in favorite activities, write farewell letters, make a will, threaten to kill themselves Depression carries a very high risk of committing suicide. If you notice suicidal thoughts in anyone, do not ignore them. How can parents help teenagers overcome depression? When raising a teenager, avoid punishment and humiliation. Try to reinforce in his memory the positive aspects of good behavior. Constant punishment and humiliation can make a child feel inferior and worthless. Allow your child to make mistakes. Overprotectiveness and acceptance.