Thanksgiving through Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.
Lots of family, friends, new gifts and toys and winter break at school.
So why is this time of the year the worst time for teens with more suicides than any other time? Even at the adult level, depression will run rampant.
Even though your teen may not be expression him/herself, they may be feeling very isolated. How would you know if you didn’t ask? All of this family attention could actually be having the exact opposite effect on your teen and driving them into a type of black hole.
Here are some facts you should know as we enter the holiday season:
- According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens.
- 40% of all teens have experienced suicidal thoughts.
- 80% of teens have told someone that they are too stressed out every day.
- 65% of teens have felt depressed in 2021.
- 77.9% of teen suicides are by boys, and in most cases violent.
- The most common form of suicide for teen girls is suffocation due to overdosing.
- Race has some impact of suicide, but not enough to make a difference.
- The higher the standard of family living is, the great the feelings of depression.
Top traits for depression and potential suicide among teens are:
- Isolation from their friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Ongoing fatigue
- Ongoing despair
- Withdrawal from school or thoughts of their future
- Extreme mood swings
- Spending more than 4 hours per day on their cell phones
- Addicted to social media sites
- Constant comparison of their life based on social media
- Feeling that their friends have better lives than them
- Grades dropping for no apparent reason
- Feelings of giving up on school or friends
If you have noticed any of these traits, it may be time to ask a professional for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You should have the conversation with your child and then find some tools that will help you. We have published all types of terrific articles at www.abrighterday.org under the “Get Help” tab.
Don’t be afraid to search for teen counselors, teen therapists, or family therapy services near you.
Of course, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
Wishing you a terrific, safe, and healthy end of the 2021 year and a fresh start in 2022.
Sincerely yours,
Elliot
