KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

How did we not know? We thought it was just 'normal' teenager behavior. Then...college happened and it went downhill from there. Fortunately we caught it before it was too late. I urge you to read this short blog - you never know when someone you love may need your intervention and help (or, it may be you that needs the help?).

PARENTS OF TEENS/COLLEGE STUDENTS. Do you know the signs of depression? I wish I did back when my child was a teen and in college - it's a VERY tough journey to take with a child who is suffering with this. There is help. The sooner you get help, the sooner they can begin to work on it and move through it.

Here's a list of signs to look for taken from a web article dated April 2022 - to read more click on the link: www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression

Kids with teen depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits , and may even exhibit criminal behaviors such as DUI or shoplifting.

Here are more signs of depression in adolescents even though they may or may not show all signs:

1 Apathy

2 Complaints of pains, including headaches, stomachaches, low back pain, or fatigue

3 Difficulty concentrating

4 Difficulty making decisions

5 Excessive or inappropriate guilt

6 Irresponsible behavior -- for example, forgetting obligations, being late for classes, skipping school

7 Loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight loss or weight gain

8 memory loss

9 preoccupation with death and dying

10 rebellious behavior

11 sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness

12 Staying awake at night and sleeping during the day

13 Sudden drop in grades

14 Use of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity

15 withdrawal from friends

16 Feeling helpless

17 Unexplained crying

18 Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure

"be observant, make notes, ask questions"

If you are concerned...even just a bit, I would contact a medical professional for advice and even to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

The more time goes by, the deeper and darker 'the hole' can be for a person suffering from depression.

I speak to you as a mother who has been there, and, as a long-time volunteer mentor and professional Life Coach that has seen this often in young people. I have a great empathy for those who suffer, as well as those who desperately want them to be happy.