We live in troubled times! Today’s teenagers are having an especially hard time with an increased incidence of mental illness seemingly linked to the pandemic and to social media. Suicides is the second leading cause of death among young people 10-24 years of age. Studies show that 9 out of 10 teens who dies by suicide were struggling mental health conditions such as depression.
In the US from 2013-2019 the incidence of depression in children aged 3-17 years was 4.4% but this hides the fact that in teens age 12-17 the incidence is much higher. In 2020 the incidence of depression in teens was 17%, almost 1 in 5 teens.
Depression is highly inheritable with studies showing a 3 times increase in having a major depression if you have 1 or more depressed parents compared to offspring with nondepressed parents. There are medical or other conditions that cause depression in children and teens and these should be consider by a medical evaluation.
Everyone, teenagers included, know that the teen years are challenging. It is not always easy to tell when the normal ups and downs of adolescence are something to worry about. Healthychildren.org has a recent article by Drs. E.J. Sigel & M.H. Rahmandar called Suicide Prevention: 12 things Parents Can Do. They suggest that if you see signs of troubled mental health that you pay close attention and do not assume it is just a passing thing. They suggest that you might go to the teen saying something like ‘You seem sad. I’m here to talk because I love you and I care what happens to you.”
Don’t be surprised if they turn away when issues of their mental health or suicide comes up. Watch for changes in sleep patterns, appetite and social activities. Self-isolation can signal serious difficulties.
Young people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, income levels and community backgrounds die by suicide every year. Suicide risk factors include the loss of a loved one, bullying, discrimination, racism, stigma (wrong to talk about suicide), witnessing or experiencing violence, suicide of a school friend or any life-changing event. It is important not to dismiss the observed behavior as “teenage drama”.
Sometimes when hearing such thoughts a parent feels hurt, angry or shocked. It is important to focus on what your child’s needs are first and get help right away. Health care providers can help get an accurate diagnosis, develop a safety plan and start appropriate treatment. It is important to remove or secure all guns. Seek out other lethal means such as medications, knives, razors, ropes, belts, plastic bags. Don’t forget alcohol, household cleaners.
As your child enters treatment be hopeful that difficult times will not last forever. Encourage spending time with friends and family. Encourage sleep and exercise. Big tasks can be broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Recognize with your child that progress comes at its own pace.
If concerned call or text 988.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 10/2024