It’s no exaggeration to say that young people are under more stress and pressure today than ever before because of troubles at school or home, the prevalence of drinking, drug use and crime, pressures to engage in sexual activities, and wanting to please different people who have different expectations.
Some young people can get overwhelmed by external pressures and become depressed. Others experience internal causes, like chemical imbalances in the brain. You don’t have to know the cause to recognize the signs of depression or suicidal thinking in others.
Signs of depression
Your friend or loved one may be depressed if he or she:
- Talks about feeling lonely, sad or worthless
- Says he or she doesn’t want to wake up or wants to sleep forever
- Eats unhealthy foods, or doesn’t eat at all
- Shuts him/herself off from others — from not calling someone back to not joining in on activities
- Gets bad grades or loses focus at school or work
Signs of suicidal thoughts
If depression goes untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Some danger signs of suicidal thoughts are:
- Giving away personal items or saying good-bye
- Talking, writing, listening to music or creating art about death
- Sudden happiness — the depressed person may feel so good that he or she decided to attempt suicide as his or her method of escape
- Indulging in risky behavior, such as alcohol or drug use, or fighting with others
- Saying that there is no hope, or no one would care if he or she were gone
How to help
Here are some things you can do if someone you know appears depressed or suicidal:
- Stay calm and start a conversation.
- It’s OKAY to ask directly, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” If you cannot ask, find a responsible adult who can help you. Their response will help you understand if they are in danger. If they are not suicidal -only showing signs of depression- they should still be connected with ta mental health professional.
- Show them you care. Say things like, “I’ve been thinking about you and I really care about what you’re going through. It hurts me seeing you this way. There are many people out there who can help you.” Simply listening can help the person talk about their feelings.
- Do not blame or criticize the person.
- Offer advice such as, “You have nothing to be ashamed of. Feeling depressed is common and can be treated.”
- Show respect by not passing judgment.
- Do not tell them to, “snap out of it.”
- If the depressed person is at home, call his or her parents or a family member.
- In a school setting, notify a teacher,school counselor, or wellness center.
- Make sure the person is not alone until they are connected with a responsible adult or mental health support service.