Depression can often lead to thoughts of suicide in teenagers and in today’s stressful society, it is a growing problem. Depressed people who are contemplating suicide often show changes in their behavior. These changes are warning signs that should never be overlooked or ignored. They are a cry for help. If your teen shows any of the following warning signs, then by all means discuss the problems he or she is experiencing and seek help if they continue.

Signs

Obvious changes in eating or sleeping habits

Withdrawal from family and/or friends

Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Unexplained rebellious or violent behavior

Running away

Persistent boredom and/or trouble concentrating

Drastic personality change

Problems with schoolwork (i.e. unexplained drop in grades)

Sudden neglect of appearance

A preoccupation with death and anything related to it

Giving away of prized possessions

Complaints of physical problems that are not real

Talk of suicide or making a plan (even if it’s done in jest, it’s still a grave concern)

Threats

It is very common for people to threaten to kill themselves before they actually attempt it. Threats regarding suicide should never be taken lightly. People communicate their thoughts about suicide often as a way of reaching out. Most teens don’t really want to end their lives, instead they want help in coping with life, in terms of growing up, losing a boyfriend or girlfriend, dealing with family problems such as financial concerns and divorce as well as fitting in at school and coping with peer pressure. Failed suicide attempts, no matter what form they may take, must never be ignored. Most people who commit suicide made at least one previous attempt.