Teen Depression: The Signs and Symptoms

Teenage depression has become a growing problem in this country. One out of every 10 teens will battle some form of depression at some point or another, and up to 4,000 attempt suicide every year.

Though it is such a growing problem, many don't speak about it; it is stigmatized and often swept under the rug.

CBS News Correspondent Jeff Glor introduced a young man named Jordan Burnham who appeared to have everything going for him. He was a star athlete in golf and baseball, very popular amongst his peers and wanted a career in broadcast journalism.

But Jordan suffered from depression, and about three years ago he tried to take his own life by jumping out his bedroom window. Amazingly he survived and today Jordan is on a mission to start a conversation with parents and teenagers across the country about the reality of depression and what we can do to cope with it.

In September 2007, Jordan called his then-girlfriend to say goodbye, and proceeded to climb out of his ninth story bedroom window. Jordan fell over 100 feet to the ground at 60 miles per hour. But incredibly, as the ambulance raced him to the hospital, Jordan was still breathing.

Jordan's mother, Georgette Burnham said, "I just wailed and I think any mother can understand that when you don't know if you're going to lose your child or not."

For the next four months, Jordan's parents, Georgette and Earl, spent every day at his bedside.

After fourteen surgeries and two and half years of painful rehabilitation, Jordan is back. He still walks with a cane, but he is back on the golf course, doing things he used to love.

As his body recovers, Jordan knows his mind might never be 'cured.' Depression maintains a daily struggle, but he hopes to use his dark experience to shine light on this disease.

Every night, Jordan sleeps in the same bed, next to the same window that he jumped out of two years ago.

"For me it's a positive thing saying this could have been a situation that could have ended everything, but here I am now, in the same spot, making a positive and a difference, too, and living in a positive way," said Jordan.

Jordan wants suicidal kids to stop for a second before they make a decision they can't take back.

CBS News Contributor Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, an adolescent and child psychologist, appeared on "The Early Show" Monday morning to give parents a heads-up on what to look for, in case your child experiences a bout of depression.

There are many warning signs that a teen may display if they are depressed.

Hartstein explained that a teen may be suffering from depression if they seem consistently sad, or is increasingly irritable. Often depression can cause deterioration in scholastic performance, and a decrease involvement on previously pleasurable things, such as hanging out with friends or sports.

Depression can also take a toll on a teen physically. Notice if they are feeling sick often, or if they have many physical complaints. They may also begin to turn to substances to help them through their tough time.

There are verbal cues as well that a teen may be considering suicide.

Hartstein explained that many teens might drop small hints with phrases like "You'll miss me when I'm gone," or "How do you think life would be if I weren't here?"

Hartstein warns parents to look out for acute behavior changes, statements from your teen about life going on without them, and if your teen begins saying goodbyes.

Acute behaviors changes are a big clue, if your teen goes from sad to happy out of nowhere, which may be a warning sign. Some suicides can also be a result of an immediate event, such as a fight with a parent or receiving a bad grade, but generally there is an underlying psychiatric issue.

Depression and suicidal thoughts manifest differently in girls and boys.

"In adolescence, twice as many girls struggle with depression than boys. It's about even in childhood. Girls attempt suicide three times more often than boys, but boys complete (suicide) three to fix times more because it's generally related to method," explained Hartstein.

A depressive episode generally lasts from six to nine months, but it can reoccur. Other bouts can last years, depending on biology, environment, family history, and life stressors.

Treatment options can range from medications or psycho therapy, specifically cognitive behavior therapy, which works on changing negative thinking patterns, and interpersonal psychotherapy, that focuses on self concept and relationships.

If you notice warning signs, or you have a gut feeling that things are not right, don't be afraid to talk with your child.

"If you don't know how, or you don't feel like your child will talk with you openly, identify an adult with whom he/she will speak. If your child/teen is reporting feeling depressed, take it seriously. Don't dismiss it as a phase or just being a teen," said Hartstein.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask about suicidal thoughts, Hartstein said.

She said, "If your child may be considering the idea, it is already in their head, you are not the one that gave them the idea."