Teen Depression/Suicide - Inherited?

Jules A, MSN · Dec 18, 2008

In my experience depression itself does tend to run in families and as luck would have it the many hormonal changes teens are dealing with also seem to be a contributor to depression. If a relative or friend has attempted or suicided it makes the odds really jump for the teen. Its very important that these threats be taken seriously. Kids can be very emotional especially where their first love is concerned and at the very least even if they are just looking for attention by threatening suicide it needs to be addressed immediately. Personally I'm quite confident that we get a few kids in that really had no intention of attempting it but in the big picture I'd rather be safe a million times than sorry once. After a two week stint on the psych unit I'd bet they don't threaten it again unless they really mean it. Quite often some counseling and the right ad will help them through the rough patches and then can be d/c'd. Please, please get help for both your kids. Wishing you well. Jules

medsurgrnco, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2008

What makes one teen more susceptible to depression & suicidal thoughts than another teen?

Family dynamics.

Low self-esteem.

Feeling different.

Being teased/bullied by peers.

Lack of support.

Lack of resilience factors.

DDRN4me · Dec 19, 2008

we see many children with mental illness whose parents also have a history of MI.

Many psychosocial issues also affect their mental health

peer pressure and low self esteem also contribute.

some have no parental support ; some have great parents who do everything they can for them.

prayers for you and both of your children.

lamazeteacher · Dec 19, 2008

Become proactive with your children. They need you to help them. There are adolescent psychiatrists who know more about your situation than anyone on this thread does.

Suicidal ideation is an urgent problem, and a cry for help.

Lexxie, LPN · Dec 19, 2008

Thanks for all of the replies. I wanted a fresh perspective and overall viewpoint from others! My daughter has been in counseling since last spring & is doing well, although she still has her low moments. My son surprises me as he always seemed to be the happy go lucky one.

When my daughter started counseling, my ex blamed me (well, the 2 of us as parents) for her problems. I totally disagreed with him then, but when my son made those comments about suicide, I guess I started to doubt myself - maybe my ex was right - it IS my fault! Heck, I think I may need counseling before all is said and done! hehe

Seriously though, thank you all again!

lamazeteacher · Dec 19, 2008

Thanks for all of the replies. I wanted a fresh perspective and overall viewpoint from others! My daughter has been in counseling since last spring & is doing well, although she still has her low moments. My son surprises me as he always seemed to be the happy go lucky one.
When my daughter started counseling, my ex blamed me (well, the 2 of us as parents) for her problems. I totally disagreed with him then, but when my son made those comments about suicide, I guess I started to doubt myself - maybe my ex was right - it IS my fault! Heck, I think I may need counseling before all is said and done! hehe
Seriously though, thank you all again!

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Family therapy is very useful in situations such as yours. As long as we're parents, we'll always feel responsible for our kids' problems. I even feel responsible for my kids' kids' problems. However until proven otherwise, the "buck stops......" at the therapists' offices for those wise enough :yeah:to employ them, especially for something as serious as threats of suicide (cry for help). Don't play the "Blame Game".