How to Face Teen Depression

(CBS)  Severe depression and thoughts of suicide are difficult things for a parent to contemplate about their kids. But how should parents address these issues?

On "The Early Show," Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, a child and adolescent psychologist, said parents need to intervene if a child seems to be reaching this point.

"It's really important to ask a lot of questions, to get them help," she said. "Really encourage (your) children to be active participants in their therapy because that's really the most important thing, figuring out how to not be hopeless anymore, but to move toward a life worth living."

Hartstein said parents need to be on the lookout for any change in mood.

"Teenage depression doesn't look like adult depression. They may still be going about their business, and they may still go to school, so they have to be aware of any change in mood, are they giving possessions away, are they avoiding activities they used to like, are they saying good bye in ways that make you uncomfortable," Hartstein said. "It's kind of the subtleties that you need to be aware of, so that you can jump in and ask them if they need some help."

Hartstein said if a child is contemplating suicide, parents need to ask them if they are.

"Ask it in an open-ended way," she said. "…Don't be afraid to put that idea in their head because you're not going to. If they're having the thought, it's there already."

If a teen isn't comfortable talking to a parent, Hartstein said parents can encourage children to talk to another trusted adult for guidance and support.

[gailnyc68]

yes, pay attention to your teen. Suggest they seek treatment. Talk to them if they will listen or share with you at all. However, a parent can not force a teenager to take medication or engage in therapy. I was fortunate when finally after two years of talking to my teenager about getting help, she finally agreed to start therapy and start medication. I think in part the stress our teens are experiencing now to excel in school and compete for placement in college is a contributory factor. Genetics is another thing. Just keep your eyes and heart open. Love your kids no matter. Let them know you want to help them even though they tell you you are really annoying.

[bankersvox]

I recall the story of the early Teen boy, slightly overweight, name MUNCTON ? a few weeks ago who got beaten up by a gang of city youths because of some minor problem like his basketball hit a girl during a game by mistake,/I think he lost an eye, and got his face bashed in very badly. That is TEEN DEPRESSION at the worse. Being picked on by a gang , run down like an animal, and then beaten savagedly is so depressing to me, in our day and age. What ever happen to that poor kid ?

[nattybumpo12]

that's great and all, but what does that have to do with being depressed? bad things happen to people, but that doesn't necessarily make them depressed...