NYU Child Study Center
The New York University Child Study Center has identified warning signs of depression in teenagers for parents and tips for helping teens who may be depressed, in light of a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC study, published in the February 2007 issue of Pediatrics finds that suicide rates in children under 19 years of age increased between 2003 and 2004. Suicide was the only statistically significant increase in child death over this time. Overall, the suicide rate increased by 18.2 percent from 2003 to 2004, an increase largely driven by older teens.

"A teen's statement of a wish to kill him/herself must be taken seriously," said Lori Evans, Ph.D., Director of Psychology Training and the Project Coordinator of TASA (Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters) at the NYU Child Study Center. "Before they actually commit or attempt suicide, teens often make direct statements about their intention to end their lives, or less direct statements about how they might as well be dead or that their friends and family would be better off without them."

"Discussing the problem does not encourage the teenager to go through with the plan," emphasizes Dr. Evans. "On the contrary, it will help him or her know that someone is willing to be a friend. It may save your adolescent's life."

Watch for symptoms of depression lasting longer than two weeks, which may include:
A change in eating and sleeping habits

A marked personality change, exhibiting angry actions or rebellious behavior or withdrawal from friends and regular activities

Involvement in drugs or alcohol or other risky behaviors such as reckless driving

An overreaction to a recent humiliating experience

Difficulty in concentrating and a decline in the quality of school work

Persistent boredom and/or lethargy

Unusual neglect of appearance

Complaints about physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue

A pattern of giving away or throwing away possessions

Intolerance of praise or rewards

Preoccupation with death in writing songs or poems

An increase in comments such as "I can't take it anymore" or "nobody cares; I wish I was dead"

How to help
Take person's comments regarding self-hate, suicide, or death very seriously

Don't try to convince the person to not feel bad. Don't tell them to "snap out of it" or say "don't feel bad"

Keep in close contact with the person and their parent, teacher, or a good friend

Ask the child or teen what you could do that would be helpful to them

Don't promise to keep any information a secret

If symptoms persist or are dangerous and interfere with daily functioning, consult a mental health professional immediately
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