Teen Depression Intervention! Please don't let suicide be next!

A 14-year old girl killed herself last week and her step-mother and my mother are friends. It shocked us all to know that a kid that young would feel so depressed that she would take her own life. Well as a mother and a mentor this hurt my heart and made me realize that we have to pay more attention to our youth. Specifically those who may have social issues and problems with stress and depression. After doing a bit of research I learned that Depression amoung kids is not far fetched.

One in 33 kids is depressed. Depression is the second most common childhood mental health problem, according to the World Health Organization. The number of kids diagnosed with depression could double by the year 2020.

What Moms Can Do about Teens and Depression

It may be difficult at first to tell whether a teen is experiencing normal moodiness or is clinically depressed. Dr. Miriam Kaufman, the mother of two teenagers and the author of the book "Overcoming Teen Depression," advises moms to pay close attention to noticeable changes in their teen's behavior.

Dr. Kaufman says the signs of teen depression can be particularly confusing for parents, because depressed teens can display opposite symptoms. For instance, both increased and decreased appetites are signs of depression, as are not sleeping enough and sleeping too much. "Some depressed teens display signs of psychomotor retardation, and appear as if they're moving through molasses, while other kids seem jumpy and agitated," Dr. Kaufman continues. "Some depressed teens cry all the time, while many never cry at all."

"Parents should be on the lookout for a real constellation of these symptoms -- a lot of things going on at once -- that's lasted for a while" (at least a few weeks), Dr. Kaufman advises.

If you notice your teenager slams doors and seems very upset around you, but then hear him laughing and being his usual self with his friends on the phone, he's probably okay, Dr. Kaufman says. "What you're looking for is overall behavioral changes at home, at school, and with friends, across the board," she adds.

If you suspect your teen is depressed, Dr. Kaufman says it's important to see your child's pediatrician or primary care physician. "A lot of other things could be causing the symptoms -- such as hyperthyroidism and substance abuse -- so you don't want to take him straight to a psychiatrist without looking at the whole picture and ruling those things out first," she concludes.

If your child is suffering from depression, your primary care doctor will likely refer him to a psychologist, family counselor, or psychiatrist to provide him with the help he needs