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Teen Suicide and Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in America. Thus, it is a major factor in suicide becoming the second leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. Suicide rates among Americans ages 15 to 19 has increased by more than 40% since 2000, making teen suicide and depression a major problem among adolescents. Depression is a chronic mental health disease that significantly increases your risk of attempting suicide. Among teens, mental health stigmas are still prevalent, which discourages adolescents from reaching out for help. Even though teen suicide and depression is common, it can be difficult for teens to express these troubling emotions to adults or parents. If you or your teen is showing symptoms of depression, reaching out for help from the Destinations for Teens Los Angeles Treatment Center is the best way to prevent and treat teen suicide and depression.

Teen Suicide and Depression

More than 17% of high schoolers admit to experiencing suicidal thoughts every year. Unfortunately, teens sometimes feel isolated and don’t always know how to ask for help. Depression can cause prolonged periods of intense sadness, loneliness, and anger. These emotions increase the risk of suicide. Some of the most common symptoms of depression in teens include:

  • Self-harming behavior, such as cutting
  • Isolating from friends and family members
  • Crying spells
  • Losing interest in hobbies
  • Poor hygiene

Teen suicide and depression is far more common than in past generations, which means that many parents may not have experience in identifying symptoms of depression in their teens. The best way to prevent teen suicide and depression symptoms is to connect with treatment when you or your teen first starts showing symptoms. While depression is chronic, delaying treatment can lead to more intense and severe symptoms, and lead to an increased risk of teen suicide and depression that becomes chronic.

How to Treat Depression

Depression is typically treated with a combination of individual counseling and medications. You can use anti-depressants for short-term treatment of symptoms, as well as for long-term management of depression. Many times, short-term use of anti-depressants can not only reduce the severity of symptoms but also lead to recovery. When you treat depression early, short-term use of anti-depressants can prevent you or your teen from developing chronic forms of depression, such as Major Depression Disorder. Early treatment also decreases the risk of teen suicide and depression among adolescents. Individual counseling can use evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help improve how you cope with symptoms. Treatment also provides you with coping skills that offer healthy and safe ways to deal with symptoms.

Finding Help Today

If you or your teen is struggling with depression, reaching out for help is the best way to begin recovery. Teen suicide and depression are common. The Destinations for Teens Treatment Center in Los Angeles, CA offers depression and mental health programs that provide you with the support, understanding, and skills you need to recover. Call us today at 877.466.0620 to learn more about your treatment options.