Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers. In fact, suicide is a more common cause of death in the United States than death by cancer, AIDS, heart disease, and birth defects combined.  Eleven percent of teens have a depressive disorder by the age of 18.  So why are we so intimidated by the topic of depression and suicide?

It’s time to talk about it.

For years, both doctors and parents alike have denied the presence of depression in teens. Rather than treating depressive disorder as a mental illness requiring medical attention, teens have been dismissed as “moody” or “difficult.”

Depression is a mental illness that cannot be solved or cured overnight. For many people struggling with depression and suicidal thinking, the battle stretches on for years. This battle usually begins between the ages of twelve to eighteen.  As high schoolers in the midst of this battle, it is crucial to learn the signs of depression and suicidal thinking and to find a strong support system for those in need.

Depression

If you suspect a friend or loved one (or you) is struggling with depression, look for these tell-tale signs:

• Long-lasting sadness with hopeless feelings
• Withdrawal from friends and loved ones
• Dropping activities which usually make one

happy

• Complaints about being tired
• Unexpected and frequent irritability or anger
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
• Increased sensitivity to criticism
• Practicing high-risk behaviors, such as drinking and driving
• Decreased focus on school and grades

While some may dismiss these signs as normal teenage behavior, a presence of one or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks indicates a possible battle with depression. If you suspect you or a friend may be struggling with depression, discuss these issues with a trusted adult or responsible friend. There is no shame in getting help – it is better to talk about these problems than to bury them.  With four guidance counselors and access to trained psychologists, Towson High School is here to support you and your friends.  No one should go through depression alone, and there are people standing by waiting to help.

Suicidal Thoughts/ Actions

There are many misconceptions about suicidal thoughts in teens. Here are the facts, researched and reported:

MYTH: They won’t really do it. They’re just joking.
FACT: Four out of five teens who commit suicide mention committing suicide before taking their life. Do not ignore comments about suicide or death, even if they’re mentioned in a joking manner or on social media posts. If you take suicide threats seriously, you may just save a friend’s life.

MYTH: Anyone who’s suicidal is crazy.
FACT: Mental illness, including suicidal thinking and depression, are real medical conditions caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.  Most people who are suicidal are not suffering from psychosis. Rather, they are struggling with extreme depression or grief.

MYTH: Talking about suicide will just make it worse.
FACT: The topic of suicide may be upsetting, but it is necessary to bring up. Talking to a trusted adult or professional can only help, not hurt, those who are suicidal. By discussing the issues at hand and gaining a support system, suicide can be prevented. With counseling and guidance, many contemplating suicide can gain a new, healthier mentality.

Just like depression, suicidal teens will almost always show one or more of these warning signs according to level of suicide risk:

• Talking about death
• Lack of hope or faith in the future
• Saying goodbyes
• Making final arrangements
• Seeking out “lethal means” such as pills, knives, or other objects that could be used for suicide attempts
• Self-destructive or high risk behavior

If you or a friend is depressed or contemplating suicide, seek help immediately.  At the conclusion of this article, there is a list of free resources provided by the school and the state. No one should have to fight alone.

Guidance:
Visit the Guidance Office to fill out a pass and place it in your counselor’s mailbox.  If you have an emergency or are contemplating suicide, speak directly to a guidance counselor.  Listed below is the contact information for all guidance counselors:

Guidance Office         410-887-3613
Thomas Carey                        [email protected]
Barbara Ebaugh         [email protected]
Anthony Mooring     [email protected]
Michele Petras           [email protected]

Suicide Hotlines:

• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or
  1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
  open 24/7 to talk
• 911
  for severe suicidal thoughts
• 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
  aimed at LGBTQIA+ teens

For more information on depression, suicidal thinking, and other sources of help, visit the following links:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/index.shtml

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm

http://jasonfoundation.com/prp/facts/youth-suicide-statistics/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000648.htm

http://www.suicide.org/teen-suicide-and-youth-suicide.html