Many teens with depression have to deal with the issue of self injury or SI as it is sometimes called.
It is also referred to as self harming.
It is in many ways a desperate way of dealing with fear, anxiety and suffering that they are going through right now.
If you ever suspect that a teen might be self harming, you should bear in mind that there are usually three ways that will flag it up as a problem or issue that has to be faced sooner or later.
If a teen is hurting him or herself by actually breaking skin which leave marks for more than an hour, then that may be a sign.
If they do that when they have to cope with stressful moments or emotions which tend to engulf them, then that may be another indicator.
If SI is a dominant thought in the teen's mind, then this could mean that it is repetitive and therefore, more serious.
I know some teens who break their bones, burn themselves or deliberately neglect wounds and so on.
These teens are not sick, they just do not know about other less destructive ways of coping with strong emotions and feelings.
Is your daughter a 'wannarexic'? There are now pro anorexia sites on the Internet which glamorize this life threatening disorder.
Teens with depression often suffer from an eating disorder, the two are closely linked.
Parents can watch out for disturbing signs.
Here are some of them.
There could be evidence of binge eating, for example, when you are confronted with an empty fridge.
If you find laxatives, diuretics lying around, then this could also be an indicator.
There could be obsession with body image, often completely distorted and if teeth are beginning to rot, then that could be due to constant vomiting.
Very often teens with depression display the above disorders.
The problem is that this teen depression has gone unnoticed or untreated.
There are many ways of dealing with depression and many different treatment options.
As a parent you may not want your teen to be prescribed with anti depressants so early in life.
There are other ways that can be equally helpful and much safer for teens with depression.
I am thinking here not only about simple lifestyle changes but other remedies like herbal remedies for depression which can balance mood and restore confidence safely and effectively.
I have explained these on my website.
Why not check it out?