Signs of Depression
Both John Bogdan, nurse manager for the behavioral health unit at Monongahela Valley Hospital, and Julie Krizner, clinical director at Axiom Family Counseling Services Inc. in Uniontown, agree there are some warning signs that parents should watch for when it comes to depression and their teenager. Some of these signs include:
n A decrease in grades
n Pulling away from their friends and favorite activities
n A decline in personal hygiene and changes of appearance
n Either weight gain or weight loss
n Disengaging in life
n Cutting
n Alcoholism or drug use
n Any change that is different from the teen that they know
For help concerning suicide and suicidal thoughts, someone is available to talk 24/7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.