We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Link between Teenage Depression and Suicide?

By Kristeen Moore
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,346
References
Share

Teenage depression and suicide often correlate. According to the Nemours Foundation, suicide is the third most common cause of fatality in people ages 15 to 24. Suicide is brought on by severe and sometimes even prolonged cases of depression in teenagers. Parents should consider depression warning signs in teens and look for solutions to prevent the tragedy of a suicide.

Depression occurs when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stresses of everyday life combined with hormonal changes increase the risk of depression in teens. This is different than feeling down occasionally. Depression tends to last for several weeks. This state occurs even on days when a teenager is participating in activities that normally make him or her feel happy.

There are different symptoms of depression. These might include anxiety, excessive fatigue, persistent sadness, and irritability. Physical changes can also occur, including significant weight gain or loss, as well as body pains. A depressed teen might also become antisocial and experience low self-esteem.

Teenage depression and suicide can occur at any time. Generally, depression will last for weeks or even months. This can make a teenager feel discouraged that he or she will never find happiness. In other cases, a bout of serious depression can be deadly if a teenager goes through a personal crisis. The depression may lead to suicidal thoughts.

Substance abuse can also increase teen suicide risk. Depressed teenagers sometimes seek illegal substances and alcohol as a means of coping. Such abuse might actually increase suicidal thoughts in depressed teens.

Suicide risk factors increase as depression continues. A suicidal teen might also talk vaguely about being tired of life or wanting to die. Teen depression and suicide seems to be more common in boys. The occurrence of suicidal thoughts, however, is greater in girls.

There are ways that parents can help their teens if they suspect teen depression and suicide risk factors. It is important to first always be in constant communication with teens. Depression often gives the feeling of being alone in the world. Parents can help to assure their teens that they are there for their children.

Support groups are available for depressed teens. Although teenagers often have difficulties expressing their feelings about depression and suicide with others, this method can be helpful. By talking to other teens about depression, a teen can realize that he or she is not alone. Teenage depression and suicide symptoms may be helped with support groups.

Medications and professional therapy can also help to reduce the incidence of teenage depression and suicide, but should only be considered after diagnosis by a licensed physician. A physician might recommend prescription antidepressants for a chemical imbalance. Therapy is generally recommended for teens who have post-traumatic stress disorder or other types of severe stress.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By krmoore — On Jun 20, 2011

I agree; society is becoming too busy and parents are often very disconnected. This is very concerning, as children grow up without having the much-needed attention they deserve and they act out to try and get attention later in life.

By anon187866 — On Jun 19, 2011

today committing suicide is common and more and more adults want to commit suicide but parents, what are they doing in order to prevent it? most of them are indifferent to their children and they don't care because they are uninterested.

moreover, they are ignorant about how to bring up a child. however raising children is important and every child wants affection and attention.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-link-between-teenage-depression-and-suicide.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.