Our adolescent stage may be considered as our €trying years'. Actions are often misinterpreted around this time and the goal to fit in and achieve balance in life is searched. Teenagers who manifest signs of depressions are often viewed as acting out or branded as attention-seekers. Depression can have devastating effects on the teenager if medical attention is not given promptly and it can be carried on until adulthood. Antidepressants like Paxil are often prescribed in people with depression but some filed Paxil lawsuits because of the unwanted effects of the drug. When faced with this situation, the suffering individual must be reassured that he or she is not alone and that help is available.

Some Common Signs of Depression in Teens

Signs and symptoms of depression may be generally true for all but there are signs that are more noticeable in a specific gender or population such as adolescents like:

• Being frequently irritable, sad or annoyed
  
• Too much or too little sleep
  
• Sudden weigh gain or weight loss without trying to
  
• Easily cries on even the most mundane things
  
• Degree of concentration is decreased
  
• Feels hopeless or helpless even with constant help and reassurance
  
• Has thoughts of death and/or suicide
  

How to Manage Teen Depression

If you notice that your teen has any symptoms of depression, it would be best to act on it immediately. Acting on the situation immediately may not only bring better results but It can also hinder the teenager from committing suicide. If you are in the situation, you are strongly advised to contact your doctor or a specialist. If a specialist or physician is not yet available, the following interventions can be made.

• Support your teenager
  

Show the teenager your unconditional support. While doing such, also make it a point not to push yourself too much for they might feel like they are being patronized which may yield the opposite result.

• Learn to listen
  

Take some time to listen to your adolescent. Oftentimes, they want someone who they can share their thoughts and feelings without having to fear that they'll be judged or lectured.

• Encourage your teenager to open up
  

Most teenagers avoid their parents because they see them as persons of authority. Generally, parents are encouraged to reach out to their teenagers and establish a connection. Parents with depressed teens are more so encouraged in making their teens at ease towards them so they'll serve as their children's confidants and there'll be no communication barrier. However, parents must also remember to respect their children's privacy and comfort level while trying to bridge the gap.