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by ACPL

Question by Shara: Why are teens so prone to depression and suicidal thoughts? And what can adults do to help?
I think I know the reasons, I’ve been there before as a teen too. But honestly, what can an adult do to help a suicidal or depressed teen?

Best answer:

Answer by mrmc1981
There are two major reasons kids are depressed nowadays: 1 – Pharmaceutical companies need to keep making up new labels for ‘disorders’ that have no scientific backing. Then kids are diagnosed with these disorders and it perpetuates the situation. I’m not saying depression doesn’t exist, but it used to be “oh, you’re down bud? Let’s go grab a beer and cause some mischief to have fun”… and you’d feel better. Now it’s “oh, you’re feeling down? You’re mentally ill, go sit with this psychologist and cram these pills down your throat while becoming more miserable because you just got diagnosed with a disease.” Its weird, but we’ve somehow become addicted to label our suffering and it makes matters worse! Every one feels sad, fearful and hopeless at times – its called life!

2. The world does kind of suck, but it’s just something we all have to deal with and make sure we truly live in the moment to enjoy the good times. Think about their sucky world. They could be a loner/outcast and get bullied and get depressed. Every time they watch tv they see some BS and think their life should be like their idols. Even the popular ones (like I was) have issues…I had horrible anxiety and panic attacks.

What can adults do to help? First address #1 and tell them they aren’t alone, every single person on this planet has issues…we are all crazy. Then tell them to find a release, I mean if they’re suicidal tell them to go skydiving or something, the worst outcome would be the relief of death for them, but they just may learn how to be alive. Help them find one thing they enjoy and make them enjoy the hell out of it. It could be music, movies, dinners – whatever; just sit them down and have them breathe in every last bit of enjoyment as often as possible. This will get their grey matter out of the gutter.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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