But my friends tell me that all teens get depressed. Depression is an important but confusing issue for parents of teenagers. You know that adolescents have mood swings that change from day to day. But you also know that teen suicide is a tragic problem that occurs all too commonly, so you wonder when to leave things alone and when to seek professional help. Teens are much more aware of the world than children, and so much more is expected of them.
Every teen reacts differently to common stresses, disappointments or losses.
This type of depression is short-lived, doesn t last long and doesn t adversely affect their lives. But something more significant, like the loss of a friend or the death of a family member, can trigger sadness that lasts for months. Parents should allow teens to work through these periods in their own way. Pumping them for information when they don t want to talk is a mistake. Wait for them to come to you.