Many teens in Jamaica are faced with depression at some point in their lives, irrespective of their social status or background.

According to Kathy Roberts, associate counselling psychologist at Family Life Ministries in Kingston, "as teens go through their identity crisis, with change both emotionally and physically, they think that their problems seem larger than life".

Roberts said that if these teens had the chance to speak with an adult about the challenges they face, whether to do with personal development or peer pressure, they would not reach the level of despair that some of them experience.

Some symptoms

For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression and rage are more prominent. Other symptoms are:

Sadness or hopelessness

Anger and hostility

Tearfulness or frequent crying

Withdrawal from friends and

family

Loss of interest in activities

Changes in eating and sleeping

habits

Restlessness and agitation

Feelings of worthlessness

and guilt

Lack of enthusiasm and

motivation

Fatigue or lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating

Thoughts of death or suicide

HELPING DEPRESSED TEENS

Offer support

Let depressed teenagers know that you 'are there for them', fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers do not like to feel patronised or crowded), but make it clear that you are ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

Be gentle but persistent

Do not give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your child's comfort level while still emphasising your concern and willingness to listen.

Listen without lecturing

Resist any urge to criticise or pass judgement once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or giving ultimatums.

Validate feelings

Do not try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don't, they will feel like you don't take their emotions seriously.

Seek out a specialist in intervention to get advice on counselling and psychiatric evaluation.

Explore the treatment options such as a change of the teens' social environment.