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Depression
Research on teenagers has shown that the "teen years" are not the unhappy, rebellious years that people often assume. Teenagers are not usually down about themselves. They are generally very happy with themselves. (Some parents actually say that part of the problem is teenagers are "too happy" with themselves. They are generally in love with their own opinions and attitudes.)
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If your teenager does seem sad or withdrawn to you this is not the "usual teenage thing." Suicide is the third leading cause of death in this age group. More children die from their own hands than cancer. If you have any suspicions, always ask. Talking about these issues does not "encourage" children to do things rashly.Find out if they have ever wished they were not alive or could just go to sleep and never wake-up. Take everything they have to say about thinking about dying or killing themselves seriously. If these issues come up make sure you seek help and don't blow it off as "just a teenage thing." |
Find out how your teen feels. Sometimes parents are the last people to find out what their kids are feeling. Perhaps you've already had this similar experience: Many times after children get glasses for the first time they say "Wow, I can see." Parents usually respond with "Why didn't you tell me?" Sometimes a child growing up with poor vision, doesn't realize what seeing clearly is like. Sometimes a child that grows up feeling depressed, doesn't realize what feeling OK is like. Ask and find out how your child feels. |
